People across the Highlands are being invited to help shape new rules designed to reduce light pollution and protect some of Scotland’s finest dark skies.
Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee approved plans on Thursday 20 August to hold a six week public consultation on new guidance covering outdoor lighting across the region.
The proposals are intended to reduce unnecessary artificial light while protecting wildlife, supporting people’s enjoyment of the night sky and strengthening opportunities for dark sky tourism.
Scotland has some of Europe’s finest stargazing because of its low population density and extensive rural landscapes, with thousands of stars and the Milky Way visible to the naked eye from particularly dark locations.
The Highlands include some exceptional examples, including the Isle of Rum and the UNESCO Flow Country in Caithness.
Darkness of the night sky can be measured using the Bortle scale, which ranges across nine levels and considers how artificial light interferes with the visibility of stars and other celestial objects.
The Council’s draft Reducing Light Pollution Good Practice Guidance encourages outdoor lighting to be used only where necessary and designed to minimise sky glow, glare and light spilling into surrounding areas.
Practical measures can include directing lights towards the ground, reducing their brightness and limiting the hours during which they operate.
The guidance is also expected to provide the foundation for a future policy within the new Highland Local Development Plan and could help communities interested in pursuing recognised Dark Sky Area status.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“Our Dark Skies are one of our greatest natural assets and play an important role in supporting our environment, biodiversity, communities and visitor economy.
“This draft guidance is about encouraging sensible, responsible lighting while adopting practical measures to help reducing unnecessary light pollution.
“Small changes such as directing light downwards, reducing brightness levels and limiting operating hours can make a significant difference.
“Reducing excessive lighting can help protect wildlife, improve people’s enjoyment of the night sky, support health and wellbeing, reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.
“It can also strengthen opportunities for dark sky tourism, particularly in our rural and island communities.
“I would encourage everyone with an interest in the future of Highland’s environment and communities to take part in the consultation and share their views.
“Feedback will help us develop guidance that is practical, effective and reflects the needs and aspirations of people across the Highlands.”
Work on tackling light pollution was initially approved by councillors in May, with an assessment subsequently identifying potential benefits for the environment, rural communities and local economy.
Minor changes raised during this week’s committee discussion will now be incorporated before the consultation is published.
Once the six week consultation closes, responses will be considered and any proposed changes returned to councillors before the guidance is finalised.
