Stargazing opportunities in Renfrewshire

John Pressly, Science Curator at Paisley Museum, takes a look at the various spots around Renfrewshire that are tailor made for stargazing

At various times throughout our lives, we have all looked up at the night sky and smiled at the shining stars or taken solace in them. Since the dawning of man, they have collectively fascinated us as a species. So, wouldn’t you like to know more about what’s up there so far away?

In our galaxy alone, there’s between 100 billion and 400 billion of those twinkling lights that we can’t help but find awe-inspiring and often encouraging when we need a little pick-me-up. Thankfully, Renfrewshire, with its plentiful green spaces and stunning vistas, is a place where there’s many opportunities to bask in the splendour of a star-filled sky. So, let’s look at the spots where you can take full advantage of what’s on your doorstep and directly above you. 

Lone tree and Pleiades, photo by John Pressly

Naturally, there’s no better place for stargazing than Clyde Muirshiel where the skies are darkest. And there’s no better guide than John Pressly, Science Curator at Paisley Museum and local cultural and leisure trust OneRen for the past 19 years.

Throughout the coming months, Bishopton’s own John is teaming up with the countryside rangers at the popular regional park to once again offer a series of Dark Sky Viewing Nights this winter. This follows a hugely-popular debut run for the stargazing events last year where locals flocked to partake in what was going on. 

Starry-eyed locals made October’s opening session a complete sell-out and tickets have been released for further dates in 2024 and 2025.

• New Renfrew Bridge hailed as ‘a gamechanger’
• Erin Caldwell: the journey to theatre’s most prestigious stages
• Paisley Colour Photographic Club: pictures of Renfrewshire

Speaking about this ongoing project, John enthused about the potential that both the park, as well as a secondary site at Castle Semple Visitor Park, have for showing off the stars in all of their wonderment. To show off what you’re capable of seeing on the best of nights, John even shared with us some snaps that he took on a memorable evening at Muirshiel. 

“We finally had the chance this year to see how the skies at Muirshiel are during a decent aurora display – and they do not disappoint!” John affirmed. “I’m delighted to share with Mill Magazine these images I took out along the road to the Barytes Mines. The aurora was visible as a greyish coloured arc across the sky. The Milky Way was very clear as well.”

Trees and Milky Way, photo by John Pressly

Although an emphasis has been placed on the potential to see the stars like never before, attendees can also expect to see the Moon, far-away galaxies, constellations and even the International Space Station if conditions permit. On top of the main attraction, there will also be an in-depth look at the planet Saturn in particular which should be visible in the night’s sky. In the event that it is obscured by clouds or otherwise not plain to see, an indoor lecture will take place where John will take questions from the audience about all things astronomical. 

Aurora from River Calder Bridge, photo by John Pressly

This first viewing night on Monday 28th October will take place at Muirshiel Visitor Centre. Among all the locations, this site has the darkest sky in Renfrewshire due to its unique moorland location, far away from the polluting glow of the nearby towns and cities of the central belt. This will allow those in attendance to obtain the greatest clarity and visibility, bringing the majesty of the night sky to you like never before. 

Further evenings are planned for November at Lochwinnoch’s Castle Semple Visitor Centre focussing on the Moon before a return to Muirshiel Visitor Centre in December to investigate deep sky objects. These will be live to book after the previous evening has taken place.

Stargazing tickets are priced at just £9.50 per person and includes a cup of tea or coffee and a biscuit for all attendees. This event is suitable for those age 8+, with more details available online at paisley.is