The Herald Scotland has highlighted Highland Council’s consideration of a landmark Dark Skies planning policy. To support the accreditation efforts, I led the data collection and night sky field work. Partnering with Dr Andy MacGregor last winter, sky-brightness measurements were tracked across the region, identifying extensive Bortle 3 zones.

Crucially, this policy demonstrates that protecting our natural heritage doesn’t require compromising on important regional modernisation. By integrating sensible, practical lighting standards into the planning phase, the policy ensures that essential new developments in the Highlands can move forward responsibly, safeguarding our exceptional night skies for future generations without creating barriers to economic growth. Full details in the article here.