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Where to see the Northern Lights in the North-east
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is no stranger to a visit from the Northern Lights. Check out this blog to discover the best places to see the magical aurora borealis this winter!
The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon which many regard as the 'Holy Grail of skywatching', where the sky turns shades of green and blue as waves of light dance above us. The magnificent light show is caused by the Sun hurling energised particles into Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds up to 45 million mph, where Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles towards the North Pole creating this mesmerising atmosphere.
Due to North-east Scotland’s latitude, the Northern Lights are frequently spotted across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, especially when the sky is at it's darkest during winter. In fact, Aberdeenshire has some of the UK's darkest skies, making it a prime location to spot the Northern Nights and Milky Way!
In Aberdeen, there is even a Scottish folk song by The Alexander Brothers called The Northern Lights of Old Aberdeen:
The Northern Lights of old Aberdeen mean home sweet home to me - the northern lights of old Aberdeen are what I long to see - I've been a wanderer all of my life - any many a sight I've seen - god speed the day when l'm on my way to my home in Aberdeen
Check out these shots of the Aurora Borealis taken across the North-east:
Cairn O Mount
Talk about having the perfect conditions. Photographer @davidfowliephotography on Instagram took to Cairn o’Mount on a cold, clear night where he was rewarded by “the most active aurora storm he had ever seen”.
Aberdeen
Although an aurora borealis is best viewed in areas where there is low light pollution. It is not impossible for them to be seen dancing over the city of Aberdeen.
Image credit: @steph_liz_reith / Instagram
Balmedie Beach
Balmedie Beach has stunning stretches of golden sand and towering dunes that can be illuminated by the Northern Lights' gaze.
Image credit: @kevin.jss.photography / Instagram
Bennachie
Bennachie is no stranger to the enchanting sights. Legend has it that the hill was once home to a giant, Jock o’ Bennachie. Whether or not you believe in the legend is up to you, but one thing is for certain - this photo is nothing short of magical.
Image credit: @john_1986_scotland / Instagram
Dunnideer Castle
It wasn’t going to be long before a castle appeared on the list, was it? Aberdeenshire is Scotland’s castle country after all. This is Dunnideer Castle near Insch, it is said to be one of the oldest castles in Scotland dating back to c.1260. The walk from the car park is short but steep and so worth it for the views as @leefowlie on Instagram discovered on their visit.
Dunnottar Castle
One of Aberdeenshire’s most cherished visitor attractions is Dunnottar Castle. During the day, this serene location is a must see spot for visitors from all around the world. Steeped in history and viewed as a photographer’s paradise, the castle is located along the Aberdeenshire Coast producing mesmerising views. By night, the Northern Lights have been seen to illuminate the skies above and create a simply stunning photograph!
Banff
Picture standing on the shore with the waves gently lapping as the night sky bursts into colour above you. That’s exactly what visitors have experienced in Banff — a charming coastal town on the Banffshire coast. With its open views across the Moray Firth and minimal light pollution, Banff offers one of the best spots to witness the Northern Lights reflecting off the water, creating a truly magical scene.
Image credit: @richardscottwildlifephotos / Instagram
When you're heading outdoors, wrap up warm, do plan ahead, and be flexible if it's busy.
We’d love to be part of your adventures, tag us @VisitABDN or use our hashtags #VisitABDN or #BeautifulABDN for your chance to feature across our social channels.
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