Greetings to you all, it is with great enthusiasm that I can tell you that the Scottish Dark Skies Campaign is really starting to take shape behind the scenes. We are always so thrilled to see even just a single new signature on this petition (nearly at 500!); the rate of new signatures received is only set to increase over the coming years. Your comments have been very welcome and are always a joy to read; hearing your thoughts is one of many key things that can push the campaign further.
Whilst it's easy for me to state my enthusiasm for behind-the-scenes work, it doesn't really do justice to the campaign as a whole. For the remainder of 2026, our focus is to really establish ourselves concretely. Whether it's us reaching out to other establishments to build connections or attending events such as the opening of the Anne Cruikshank Observatory at Aberdeen University at the end of this month (we are not hosting our own stand or workshop there, to be clear). We have decided to develop a 5-year plan, beginning 2027, to get our boots on the ground more in our own events/workshops or as guests at others, appear in news articles, and talk with parliamentary officials. This allows the public to meet us in person or hear about us organically through external sources and thus gain the knowledge that is important to understand when it comes to light pollution - and how to deal with it. We also hope to encourage the return of the Dark Sky Discovery programme in schools to help young people learn about the effects of the pollutant.
Now, I would like to pass the talking stick to you, our stakeholders, if you will. Would you come along to events for a more immersive chat? What are your thoughts on our initiative? And would you share this with as many people as you can? You can submit your answers in the comments section of the petition, message us on Instagram @sdsc_scotland, or via the contact us section at https://scotdarkskies.org You may also provide quotes of your own on how light pollution is noticeably affecting you.
A wee side note: The website is currently being updated and revamped with new content, which I'll be sure to publish ASAP, so stay tuned!
Regards,
Joshua Lawson
Secretary
Scottish Dark Skies Campaign (SDSC)