TWO Scottish areas with "skies black as velvet" have been named among the best stargazing spots in Britain ahead of the Geminid meteor shower tonight.
Stretching the length of Scotland, the locations were named among other places like Sark in the English Channel and the Snowdonia Dark Sky Reserve in Wales.
Two Scottish spots with 'skies black as velvet' named among the best stargazing spots in the UK
While very few people live here, the publication said the 300 square miles of mixed landscape is a "haven" for wildlife, including otters and pine martens.
The park is also said to have some of the best dark skies anywhere in Europe with this boast being recognised in 2009 when the area became the UK’s first-ever Dark Sky Park.
Lots can be seen here, including the Milky Way all year round and the Cassiopeia in autumn.
In spring, stargazers are able to see Leo, Gemini, Regulus, Capella and the Pleiades star cluster.
Coll, which is a small Hebridean island four miles west of Mull, was also praised by Countryfile.
The title said it has "beautiful" beaches, "fantastic" wildlife and no street lighting, giving it "skies black as velvet."
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In December 2013, it was awarded Dark Sky Community status, which officially makes it one of the best places for astronomy in the UK.
Recent findings made while using a sky brightness meter showed that Coll has some of the darkest skies in Europe.
Countryfile added that there are three "particularly good" viewing areas. These include the reserve car park at RSPB Totronald, behind the church in the village of Arinagour and at the football pitch at Cliad.
