Orion rises slowly out of the east,
and moves steadily southwards,
steel-green Rigel and starry belt glittering,
followed by huge Sirius the dog,
loping up out of the darkness.

Christine Muir

North Ronaldsay’s dark skies awarded international status

North Ronaldsay’s dark skies have achieved international recognition. The island has been designated as an International Dark Sky Community, one of just over 30 worldwide. It’s on an elite list that ranges from Flagstaff, Arizona, to Fulda in Germany. Only two other places in Scotland have this status – the island of Coll and the town of Moffat.