A Scottish island chain has been named one of the best spots in the UK to see the Northern Lights.
A new study by Planet Cruise has ranked the top UK locations for "astro-tourism", which refers to travel focused on observing starry skies and celestial events such as the Northern Lights.
Scotland offers some of the best night skies anywhere in the world due to the country's northern location, as well as many remote areas which feature low levels of light pollution.
The only Scottish destination to feature on the list is Shetland, coming in seventh place. Due to the archipelago's remote location, it offers incredibly dark skies and minimal light pollution.
Shetland's northern latitude makes it more likely for Scots to catch a glimpse of the Aurora Borealis, while its vast open horizons are also ideal for stargazing.
According to Planet Cruise, Shetland is a "dream destination for astro-tourists" and is one of the top spots to see the "spectacular Northern Lights".
Planet Cruise also praised the islands for providing an "unforgettable celestial experience in one of the UK’s most unspoiled locations".
Other destinations included in the list include Snowdonia in Wales, Scafell Pike in Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales.
When putting the list together, Planet Cruise considered a number of different factors, including latitude, elevation, light pollution levels, and sightings of the Northern Lights.
According to Planet Cruise, the best places in the UK for astro-tourism are:
- Snowdonia, Wales
- Wasdale (Scafell Pike), Cumbria
- Derwentwater, Cumbria
- North York Moors, Yorkshire
- Yorkshire Dales (Richmond), Yorkshire
- Shetland Islands, Scotland
- Black Down, West Sussex
- Cambrian Mountains (Llanidloes), Wales
- Carding Mill Valley on the Long Mynd, Shropshire
- Brecon Beacons, Wales
