Spectacular North Ronaldsay skies showcased during North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme event

North Ronaldsay put on a breath-taking sunset display recently, during a special guided walk showcasing the island’s Dark Skies status.

On the enchanting and still evening of Saturday 24 June, a group of 17 people assembled at the North Ronaldsay Stan Stane to witness the 10:30pm sunset. The event, organised and led by Henry Memmott, a science teacher at Kirkwall Grammar School and long time fan of North Ronaldsay, proved to be an extraordinary experience for all attendees – as this photo attests!

The Stan Stane, an ancient stone with a hole carved into it, was the perfect place to experience this magical event. The awe-inspiring natural beauty of the island’s skies was captured by Alison Duncan of the North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory.

Following this remarkable moment and a talk by Henry about the Stan Stane, a spirited group of 12 individuals embarked on a memorable three-mile trek to the lighthouse, the distance made short by lively conversations.

Henry said: “The weather was perfect for what turned out to be an amazing experience. It was a joy to be out enjoying the light of the long evening, and the view of the lighthouse flashing in front of an orange sky was incredible. It was so good that I hope that this is something we can repeat again next year!”

The event was part of a series of nine ‘Walks and Talks’ taking place over the year on North Ronaldsay celebrating the island’s Dark Skies Status, supported by the North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme (NILPS) and Orkney Islands Council’s Culture Fund.

All are welcome to attend these events and enjoy the island’s amazing Dark Skies. Further information can be found at www.northronaldsay.co.uk and www.orkney.com/events.

North Isles Landscape Partnership Scheme (NILPS) is a £4.5m programme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland, Orkney Islands Council, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, NatureScot and the Orkney LEADER 2014-2020. It supports projects that promote the culture, heritage and landscape of the North Isles and will run until December 2024. Find out more about NILPS on the programme website.