NORTH RONALDSAY NIGHT SKY PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION

Dark skies are becoming recognised as a precious asset. "Were Galileo alive today, and using his original equipment, he would not be able to discern the rings of Saturn – unless, that is, he was working in one of the few places on Earth that have remained dark enough."

That's from an issue of New Scientist, in a feature listing some 'exotic, mysterious and fascinating locations' – and among them the very few dark sky parks in the world. That's how valuable and unique dark skies are.

North Ronaldsay, with no streetlights or major sources of light pollution, has some of the finest dark skies in Britain. We've had an excellent response to our competition for a photograph of the night sky above the island, and the judges are now finalising their decision.

There's a £50 prize for the winner, provided by the Scottish Government's science engagement unit. We also have book prizes for two runners-up.

The competition, which is being held in partnership with North Ronaldsay Community Association, follows the successful astronomy events in the island that took place in last year's Science Festival. There was a very good response for the visit of Forres astronomer Bill Leslie, with a warm welcome at the school during the day and a large attendance for his talk in the evening.

Despite its small population, the North Ronaldsay community has a tradition of turning out in force to hear a visiting speaker, and over the years the Science Festival talks have been regularly attended by numbers equivalent to more than half the island's population.

The images from the competition will be displayed during the Festival in an exhibition at the Pickaquoy Centre, Kirkwall, and then later this autumn will go on view in North Ronaldsay itself. The exhibition is sponsored by W.H.B. Sutherland Ltd, who have printed and mounted the photographs.

Meanwhile if you'd like to find out more about taking pictures at night, Bill Leslie has recommended a website with helpful information. He also suggests a second website with similar practical advice.

And if you'd like to find out more about North Ronaldsay, try www.northronaldsay.info