Northern Lights bring in New Year across Scotland

The lighthouse at Ardnamurchan Point
- Published
The first day of 2025 has brought a stunning display of the Northern Lights across Scotland.
After days of stormy weather, clear skies ensured the bright colours of the aurora were visible after a strong solar storm.
Solar activity has been at a high over the past few years and 2025 ought to see more chances for sky-watchers to see the aurora.
We have brought together photos from contributors from across the country.

A solitary winter tree against the aurora at Auchtermuchty in Fife
The Northern Lights are caused with charged particles, ejected by the sun, interact with gases in our atmosphere.
Oxygen atoms glow green - the colour most often seen in the Northern Lights.
Nitrogen atoms emit purple, pink and red.
The stronger the storm, the further south the aurora can be seen.
The Met Office Space Weather Centre forecasts suggest another eruption will reach earth over the weekend, bringing more opportunities to see the lights.

These deep red tones were captured over Seilebost on the Isle of Harris

A wintry scene from Montgarrie in Aberdeenshire

The bridge at Belhaven in East Lothian

A hill full of firs and aurora and starlight beyond captured in Callander

The Forth Bridge taken from the road bridge

The aurora appear to touch the roof of this house in Stenton, East Lothian
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