North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory

North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory sits on North Ronaldsay, the northernmost of Orkney's islands off the north coast of Scotland. Despite the name, it is a bird observatory rather than an astronomical one, dedicated to recording the island's migrant birds.

About North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory

Founded in 1987, it has become known as one of the best birdwatching sites in the United Kingdom, tracking the seasonal movements of migrant birds that pass through this remote outpost. The observatory offers accommodation in a hostel and guest house, as well as camping, a shop, a cafe and evening meals for visitors.

Location & getting there

North Ronaldsay is Orkney's most northerly island, off the north coast of mainland Scotland, reached by boat or small plane from the rest of Orkney.

Visiting North Ronaldsay Bird Observatory

The observatory welcomes overnight guests with hostel, guest house and camping options, plus a shop, cafe and evening meals. Check nrbo.org.uk for current availability and travel details before planning a stay.

See your named star from here

As a bird observatory, North Ronaldsay isn't set up with a telescope for stargazing, but its remote position off the northern tip of Scotland means very little artificial light reaches the island's night sky. Anyone naming a star through Star Register could use a portable telescope or stargazing app to look for it here using its coordinates. Start at /#packages or search the catalogue for stars already named.