Confirmation has been received by the Council that Moffat has been awarded Dark Sky status, making it the first town in Europe to achieve the status of ‘Dark Sky Town’. It has taken three years to achieve, but the International Dark Sky Association awarded the status for Moffat this month.
The Council have been working with Moffat community council and a Dark Sky specialist to help Moffat achieve the status of Dark Sky Town.
This achievement comes following years of work on the project. In 2013, £240,000 of funding was received from the Scottish Government to turn Moffat into a Dark Sky community. This funding was used by the Council to change all the street lighting and flood lighting to ‘dark-sky’ friendly lights.
At the end of last year, the Council wrote to the International Dark Sky Association confirming that following achievement of the status, the Council intends to include a protection policy within the next version of the Local Development Plan.
As the first ever Dark Sky Town outside of America, this accolade will help Moffat to generate tourism in the winter months. Visitors will be able to come and experience clear views of the skies at night from Moffat during the winter months.
Chair of the Council’s Economy, Environment and Infrastructure Committee, Colin Smyth, congratulated all involved on the award:
“The accolade of the first ever Dark Sky Town in Europe is an outstanding achievement. It is clear from the dedication of all involved that the years of work has paid off. Our Council is committed to supporting the local economy and by working together with communities such as Moffat, the region’s tourism businesses can capitalise on our fantastic natural assets. The award of Dark Sky Town will encourage more visitors to experience what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer during the winter months, helping to boost our local economy during these periods.
Following the award of Europe’s first Dark Sky Park in the Galloway Forest, I am proud that Moffat has been named Europe’s first Dark Sky Town. Only last week, Dumfries and Galloway was named ‘Holiday Destination of the Year’ by BBC’s Countryfile Magazine. Magnificent tourist attractions such as the Dark Sky Park and now the first ever Dark Sky Town really set our region apart.”
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