SCOTLAND

AS the evenings get darker and the days get colder, Scotland is encouraging visitors to embrace the winter with a series of reminders that December needn’t be dull.

Head out for some stargazing at Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, as well as the Isle of Coll, a Dark Sky Island, or one of the country’s other Dark Sky Discovery Sites such as Tomintoul and Glenlivit within the Cairngorms, where you could spot planets along with the stars.

Or try a black-out bridge bungee jump, Europe’s first and only version, at Highland Fling Bungee in Killiecrankie, Perthshire, while Go Ape Aberfoyle has night time sessions at the treetop course.

And there’s snow to enjoy in the country’s five ski resorts, as well as a sled dog safari at Aviemore or snowshoeing

There will also be a special fire and light spectacle at Helix Park in Falkirk, the Home of the Kelpies, on January 1 and 2, with installations, projections and fire performances. visitscotland.com