Hopes have risen that the world’s first large public use observatory — ravaged by a fire in 2021 — can be replaced in Dalmellington.
When the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory first opened in October 2012, it became a popular destination for enthusiasts, tourists and locals alike.
However, in June 2021, a devastating fire ripped through the site and caused extensive damage.
Its loss to the community, and to observers of the sky, was a huge blow locally and nationally.
But Ayrshire Live can now reveal that East Ayrshire councillors have approved a funding request for a feasibility study to ‘explore options’ to replace the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory.
The five-metre observatory dome was a spectacular feature; with its rotating and retractable roof, it enabled night-time viewing through state-of-the art telescopes and imaging equipment.
Since the fire in 2021, the Board of Trustees of the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory have worked with their insurer to secure a settlement sum for the building reinstatement costs.
However, prior to committing to any new development works, the Trustees are commissioning a feasibility study on the planned facility and site to ensure that any new venture is "financially and environmentally sustainable."
They are using the experience gained from almost 10 years of activity, and incorporating improved vehicle access and ambitions around net zero, as part of their thought process.
Now East Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet has agreed to fund the feasibility study to the tune of £10,000 in “recognition” of the role the Observatory has previously played in science education and its “relevance” to the Council’s tourism strategy.
Councillor Douglas Reid, chair of cabinet and with responsibility for community wealth building and regeneration, said: “I’m delighted to learn of plans to reinstate this unique dark sky facility in Dalmellington.
“In a short space of time it very quickly became a popular destination for visitors to the area, helping to put the Galloway Forest Dark Sky Park and East Ayrshire firmly on the map.
“I welcome the feasibility study as this will ensure that a new facility reflects local and national priorities in terms of climate change.
“A new facility would also have a key role to play in forthcoming Ayrshire Economic and Tourism Strategies and I look forward to hearing the outcomes of this exercise.”
Marc Charron, chair of the board of trustees of the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, said: “We are extremely grateful for the support of East Ayrshire Council in agreeing to fund the feasibility study, which is the next important step in reinstating the Observatory.”
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