Reform Tower, Meethill, Invernettie
Image: Wikimedia Commons
On high ground at Meethill, southwest of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, the Reform Tower is a striking granite structure that was meant to become an observatory but never quite got there.
About Reform Tower
Reform Tower is a historic five-stage structure of squared granite, each stage narrowing slightly as it rises. It is now a Category B listed building, recognized for its architectural and historical interest rather than any ongoing astronomical use.
History
The tower's foundation stone was laid by George Mudie in August 1832, and construction dates from that year, though its architect is not recorded. It was originally designed to serve as an observatory, but the project was never completed, leaving the tower standing today as an unfinished monument rather than a working telescope site.
Location & getting there
The tower stands at Meethill, an area southwest of the town of Peterhead in Aberdeenshire, on Scotland's northeastern coast.
Visiting Reform Tower
As a listed historic structure rather than a functioning observatory, Reform Tower has no published telescope viewing hours. It can be viewed as a landmark on the Aberdeenshire landscape; check local heritage listings for any current access details.
See your named star from here
Even a tower whose observatory ambitions were never finished sits under the same night sky as everywhere else. Name a star and use its coordinates from the catalogue to find it from the hills around Peterhead.
Opening hours and public-visit programs vary by season. Check Google Maps for current times before you travel.
