Mark the Summer Solstice in the South of Scotland

The Summer Solstice marks not only the longest day of the year, it is also the official start of summer. Both in the South of Scotland and around the world, people have welcomed it with celebrations and rituals since pre-historic times. There are many ways to acknowledge the day’s significance. Some people watch the sunrise in a special location, others visit historic sites. We have collated ideas from across the South of Scotland to mark the Summer Solstice. How will you welcome the new season?

Join the Celebrations at Crawick Multiverse

For an unforgettable way to mark the Summer Solstice, head to Crawick Multiverse. The breathtaking land art installation by Charles Jencks near Sanquhar reinterprets the cosmos through sculpted earthworks and artistic forms. At the heart of the Multiverse sit two hillocks representing the Andromeda and the Milky Way Galaxies. Built to a cosmic scale, they depict a moment four billion years from now, when the two are predicted to collide and merge. Crawick Multiverse is full of artistic representations of many features of the cosmos; somewhere to appreciate just how far north the sun is at this time of year.

In 2025, the Summer Solstice also marks the 10th anniversary of Crawick Multiverse. Both events will be marked with celebrations on the site. This includes a sunrise celebration, early morning entertainment as well as wellbeing sessions.

For those looking to truly immerse themselves in the experience, there are special Solstice Stopovers available. Wake up to visit the sunrise in this stunning landscape: Motorhomes can spend the night parked onsite next to Andromeda and Milky Way.

Go Stargazing During the Shortest Night

The longest day of the year, but for astronomers it is the shortest night of the year. Evening twilight merges with dawn to prevent the faintest stars being seen. But keen stargazers can still enjoy the spectacle of our night skies.

Local Dark Sky Expert and Author Geoffrey Dryfe explains: ‘Just after sunset, the planet Mars can be seen in the west and sets just after midnight. Saturn is the only other planet that graces our skies, and it can be seen before sunrise in the east.

‘The constellation of Andromeda takes up position in the eastern sky. In September, when the sky becomes dark enough, the Andromeda Galaxy will be visible to the unaided eye. It is the most distant object you will ever see. The light from the Andromeda Galaxy started on its journey to Earth 150,000 years ago. You can see it anytime tonight if you have a pair of binoculars.’

For a visit to the Dark Space Planetarium, head along to Kirkcudbright, Scotland’s Artist Town. Not only can you attend talks where the night sky is seen on a dome above your head – it’s as if you are looking at the night sky from the comfort of your seat. Depending on the title of the talk, the speaker will take you to other planets and see the sky from other parts of our world.

And why not make a longer trip of it. Plan your ideal dark-sky break in the South of Scotland.

Head for a Wild Swimming Session

What better way to celebrate the longest day of the year than with a refreshing dip? It offers a deep connection with nature and is an energising way to welcome the new season. With lochs, rivers and beaches to choose from, there are options for all abilities.

Wild swimming guide Lynda Stoddart from Take to the Water notes: ‘Wild swimming is a wonderful way to mark the longest day of the year and there are so many great spots to choose from in the region. Feel the joy, strength and stillness within as you celebrate this special day from the water.’

Lynda recommends some of her top spots in the South of Scotland for the Summer Solstice: Those looking for a peaceful loch swim with panoramic views all around will enjoy Loch of the Lowes near Selkirk. The ‘Dookits’ is tucked along the edge of the stunning Hay Lodge Park in Peebles. This picturesque spot is perfect for those new to river swimming with a small beach, rope swings and a mix of shallow and deeper waters. Over on the coast, the sandy shores of Coldingham Bay are a firm favourite with wild swimmers. It is also located within the St Abbs and Eyemouth Voluntary Marine Reserve, meaning it is teeming with marine life.

Still nervous about heading for a wild swim? Book in for a guided session with Lynda and other professional guides in the South of Scotland. Always be prepared and stay safe when wild swimming with Lynda’s Top Tips and our Wild Swimming Guide.

Experience Nature and Wellbeing

Take the day to pause, reflect and connect with nature. With more hours in the day, why not use them to immerse yourself in the South of Scotland and explore.

The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere is home to some of the country’s most iconic wildlife and globally significant habitats. It is also a model for slow and sustainable tourism. Certified Biosphere Guides offer opportunities to book tours to get you close to nature and reconnect with your surroundings. Choose a mindful activity, like heading out into the hills for a yoga session in breathtaking landscapes. Or enjoy a session foraging and forest bathing – simply be in the moment on the longest day of the year.

If you’re looking for an extra cosy mindful experience in stunning surroundings, book in for a session at Cedar Hus Sauna. Besides a wide array of benefits of sauna, the mobile nature means it is available in changing local beauty spots. Head for a session in a historic walled garden, on a flower field or near a stunning loch.

Mark the Summer Solstice at Ancient Sites

Across Scotland, there are many places rich in spiritual and historical significance. Mark the Summer Solstice with a visit to one of the South of Scotland’s ancient sites.

The South of Scotland is rich in signs of the Neolithic and Bronze age. Standing stones, stone circles and cup and ring markings can be found across the landscape. Though their function is not known, it may be astrological too. Embark on part of the Whithorn Way, the pilgrimage route leading from Glasgow to the Whithorn and St Ninian’s Cave: On the final stretch, the trail passes Drumtroddan Standing Stones and the nearby cup and ring marked rocks. A powerful reminder of the site’s significant past.

Though there is no definitive evidence of a solstice alignment, Cairn Holy Chambered Cairn is a popular spot to visit during the Summer Solstice. Set in a striking location with panoramic views, the pair of burial sites overlook the Solway Firth.

As Christianity spread, many pagan solstice festivities were absorbed into the Christian calendar. Subtle links to the Summer Solstice can be found on the Ruthwell Cross. Recent research suggests that that the panel depicting John the Baptist with the lamb of God would have originally faced west, directly towards the setting sun. This aligns with St John’s Day, the birth of St John the Baptist, which falls on the Summer Solstice.

Climb a Hill to Welcome the Day

There’s something magical about watching the sun rise across the landscape on the longest day, reflecting on ancient connections between the landscape and sun. With some of the South of Scotland’s most beloved peaks offering stunning views and marked trails to the top, there is plenty of choice for the Summer Solstice. Why not head for one of the region’s most iconic hills.

Climb the Eildon Hills in Melrose to be rewarded with spectacular panoramic views over the Scottish Borders. From fairies living underneath to the ancient hillfort discovered on Eildon Hill North, the distinctive triple peaks are rich in legend and history.

Rising prominently to the east of Hawick, Rubers Law dominates the landscape. The summit, once the site of an iron Age hillfort and later a Roman signal station, offers commanding views over the surrounding landscape.

Follow gentle forest trails or steeper, more challenging paths to the top of Criffel near New Abbey. From the top, there are breathtaking, sweeping views over the Solway Firth. On a clear day, even the Lake District in England is visible.

How will you celebrate the Summer Solstice?

The South of Scotland offers countless ways to embrace the magic of the Summer Solstice. Whether you’re stargazing, swimming, meditating, or exploring ancient monuments, it’s all right at your finger tips.