The Summer Solstice: Reveling in Scotland's Longest Day

Key Highlights :

1. The summer solstice is June 21st and in Scotland it's something to revel in.

2. At our most northerly limits, in Shetland, that means the endless lingering light of the simmer dim.

3. The solstice is the turning point, the moment when the days begin, imperceptibly at first, to shorten - and for many it is best celebrated by watching the sun go down.

4. On the West Highland Way, and with stunning views over Loch Lomond, this is just about the right size of hill to climb if you want your sunrise whilst hiking a mountain - start at first light, and be aware there are steep sections and the entire walk takes 2-3 hours.

5. Calanais, Lewis are often a sunrise destination for solstice lovers.

6. Head to the top of Queen Mary's Seat and watch the sun going down with the entire city of Glasgow sprawled before you.

7. Unst, the Shetland Islands is the perfect place to celebrate the midsummer solstice.

     The summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere, is June 21, and in Scotland it's something to truly revel in. From the south of Scotland to the most northerly limits of Shetland, the summer solstice marks the turning point when the days begin to slowly shorten. While the solstice is celebrated all over the world, Scotland offers some of the most incredible places to watch the sun go down and welcome the longest day of the year.

     Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh

     One of the most popular spots in Edinburgh to watch the solstice sunset is Arthur’s Seat. This extinct volcano sits right in the middle of the city and is best seen at first light, when the sun rises over the North Sea and casts its light over the Edinburgh and East Lothian coastline. It’s an almost mystical experience that can’t be matched.

     Forth Bridges

     The Forth Bridges are a great spot to watch the sunrise or sunset of the longest day of the year. Take a stroll across the old Forth Road Bridge and admire the drama of the rail and the Queensferry Crossing on either side.

     Lyle Hill, Greenock

     Head down the water to Greenock to get a stunning view of the Cross of Lorraine on Lyle Hill. Enjoy the sunset while taking in views of Kilcreggan, Helensburgh and Dunoon as well as Gourock bay.

     Conic Hill, Stirlingshire

     On the West Highland Way, Conic Hill offers stunning views over Loch Lomond and is the perfect size of hill to climb if you want to watch the sunrise while hiking a mountain. Make sure to start at first light, as the entire walk takes 2-3 hours.

     Calanais, Lewis

     The standing stones of Calanais are a popular spot for sunrise on the summer solstice. Many have heard the legend of the “shining one”, a figure who, according to local legend, walks up the avenue on the midsummer dawn.

     Cathkin Braes, Glasgow

     Watch the sun go down from the top of Queen Mary's Seat with the entire city of Glasgow sprawled before you. There’s no more glorious way to end the longest day of the year.

     Unst, the Shetland Islands

     The further north you go, the longer the light lingers, so it makes sense that the Shetland Islands are a popular destination for solstice lovers. The twilight that hangs in the sky through the midsummer nights is known as simmer dim, a beautiful Shetland term that captures the magic of the season.

     No matter where you go in Scotland, the summer solstice is a special time of year that should be celebrated. From the dramatic Forth Bridges to the mystical Arthur’s Seat, Scotland has plenty of incredible places to watch the sun go down and revel in the longest day of the year.

Continue Reading at Source : heraldscotland