In 2024, I was fortunate enough to witness the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) twice right near my home in Edinburgh. These weren’t distant bucket-list trips to the Arctic – they were local adventures in familiar spots, made extraordinary by one of the strongest solar maximums in over a decade.
The displays were nothing short of breathtaking. Even in southern Scotland, heightened solar activity turned ordinary nights into unforgettable spectacles of dancing greens, purples, and reds across the sky.
May 2024: Solo Camping in the Pentland Hills
I was on a solo camping trip in the Pentland Hills, my go-to escape spot just outside Edinburgh. I pitched my tent in a quiet spot with a clear northern view over the city lights. With a small campfire by my side, the night was perfectly still – no wind to rattle the tent or spoil the view.
As darkness fell, subtle shifts appeared in the sky. By midnight, the show exploded. I lay on my back for hours, neck craned upward, mesmerized. The aurora swirled and pulsed overhead in ways photos could never fully capture. I saw deep red glows like embers in the heavens and fast-moving “shooting star” clouds radiating from the zenith. It felt otherworldly, my first truly clear, vivid sighting in person.
I had checked solar activity forecasts beforehand (a habit I recommend), knowing a geomagnetic storm was possible. But nothing prepared me for this intensity. I would have been out there anyway, but the aurora made it legendary!
Pro tip: A camera sees the aurora differently from the naked eye. Phones and sensors often amplify colors and details that appear subtler in real life. Embrace both, the memory and the photos.
October 2024: Quick Dash to Craiglockhart Hill
The second sighting was more spontaneous. While cooking dinner, I saw people sharing photos online of an active display. It was already dark, so I grabbed my gear and headed out. Craiglockhart Hill is only a 15-minute walk from my house and offers panoramic views over Edinburgh, perfect for quick aurora hunts.
The lights were dancing again. I captured what I could, grateful for the opportunity to see it.
My Northern Lights Photo Gallery
📸 View the photos in my gallery here
View all the shots from both nights (and future ones) in my dedicated gallery.
Tips for Seeing the Aurora in Scotland
Scotland isn’t Lapland, but during strong solar events, especially in the current solar maximum (peaking around 2024–2025), sightings extend surprisingly far south.
- Best times: September to March, when nights are longest and darkest. Check forecasts obsessively.
- Top resources:
- AuroraWatch UK — Simple UK-focused alerts.
- SpaceWeather.com — Detailed solar activity.
- YouTube channels like SpaceWeatherNews for video explainers.
- Best locations: Head north for better odds—Shetland (the “Mirrie Dancers”), Orkney, the Highlands, Isle of Skye, or Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park. Near cities, seek hills or coastlines with northern views and low light pollution.
- Photography tips: Use a sturdy tripod, wide-angle lens (ideally f/2.8 or faster), manual mode, high ISO (1600–3200 to start), 10–20 second exposures, and manual focus to infinity. Scout locations in daylight.
Safety note: Dress warmly, tell someone where you’re going (especially for wild camping), respect access rights, and leave no trace.
Why 2024–2025 Has Been Special
We’re in a strong solar maximum, bringing more frequent and intense geomagnetic storms. This has allowed rare southern sightings like mine in Edinburgh. Displays can still occur in the coming years as activity remains elevated.
If you’re in Scotland, keep an eye on the sky, you might not need to travel far for the magic. Have you seen the aurora here? Share your stories in the comments!
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