Highlands dark skies plan could boost night-time tourism economy

A new planning policy aimed at protecting views of the stars and the Northern Lights could support the Highlands’ night-time tourism sector. 

Highland Council has proposed a ‘dark skies’ planning policy intended to limit light pollution from new developments across the region.

The council’s vice convener and SNP councillor Ken Gowans said it would be the first policy of its kind in Scotland and would help to ‘open the door’ to night-time tourism. He added that it would be ‘balanced’ and wouldn’t apply to every new development. 

However, Scottish Conservative councillor Ruraidh Stewart, who represents Skye, raised concerns about the impact of further planning rules, warning that street lighting remain important for public safety and that additional regulation could discourage developers.

He also said righter rules could undermine efforts to deliver 24,000 new homes over the next decade. 

The draft policy comes as Highland Council highlights the regions unusually dark skies, with large sparsely populated areas offering conditions that, when the weather allows, can reveal the Milky Way and displays of the aurora borealis. 

Gowans said: ‘The Highlands have some of the darkest skies in Europe and we need to capitalise on that.’

Council officers said no Scottish council had yet adopted a dedicated planning policy specifically targeting light pollution, although West Lothian has approved non-statutory guidance and Dumfries and Galloway produced similar guidance in 2020.

The South West of Scotland is also home to Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park.

Officials also noted potential wider benefits, including reduced energy use, protection for nocturnal wildlife, and improved sleep for residents.

In 2024, Isle of Rum was designated Scotland’s first International Dark Sky Sanctuary by DarkSky International.

The council committee agreed further work should be carried out on the proposals before any final decision is made.

Image: Nathan Anderson/UnSplash 

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