Airdrie Observatory

Airdrie Public Observatory is one of four public observatories operating in the United Kingdom.  The Observatory is owned by North Lanarkshire Council and is operated on their behalf by ASTRA.  Situated above Airdrie Library in Wellwynd, the Observatory is of significant historical and scientific interest.

ASTRA is the Association in Scotland to Research into Astronautics.  The Airdrie branch of ASTRA hold regular meetings.  When weather permits, observing sessions are held using the telescope.  When special astronomical events happen, the Observatory is open to the public, allowing you to view the stars and comets using this magnificent piece of equipment. 

The original telescope was donated to Airdrie Library  by local astronomer Doctor Reid.  In 1925 a 6 inch Cooke of York refracting telescope was installed and mounted onto an equatorial mount.  Cooke was one of the country's foremost telescope makers.  This telescope was donated by Mr Coats of Coats Ironworks.

After the war years the Workers' Educational Association began an astronomy class in the Observatory.  This encouraged an interest among the prople of Airdrie and the West of Scotland in the sky at night and events in the heavens above.

The Observatory has a number of smaller telescopes which can be used either at the observatory or can be moved to "dark sky" sites for observing sessions.

Location Map

Click on the "Map" box that appears on the right-hand side of your screen for a location map to the facility.

Contact Us

For further information (or if you would like to visit the observatory) use the "Contact Us" box on the right-hand side of your screen.