Scotland Solar Eclipse 2026: Here is the exact time you can see the eclipse in locations across Scotland
Here are the exact times the solar eclipse will peak across Scotland and how you can watch safely.
People around Scotland will be able to witness a once in a lifetime solar eclipse this week.
Around 90% of the sun will disappear behind the moon on Wednesday, August 12 making it is the first eclipse of its kind in the UK since 1999.
While we won’t be able to see total coverage here, it has been calculated to be the most extensive solar eclipse for the next 54 years.
Due to its rarity, people across the nation will be keen to turn their - hopefully protected eyes - to the sky when the phenomenon takes place that evening. Initial signs of the sun’s disappearance are thought to begin at around 6.08pm in Scotland, with the rest of the UK to follow minutes later.
As for when you will be able to see the most coverage in Scotland, here’s what you need to know.
Here’s the exact time you can see the solar eclipse in Scotland
In Scotland, the eclipse is generally predicted to begin just after 6pm with peak coverage expected from around 7pm for most of the country.
Those living on the Western Isles and the west of Scotland are thought to be among the luckiest when it comes to coverage, as well as those in southern and eastern Scotland, who will likely to benefit from better weather.
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Coverage will vary from location to location, with some areas to be around 90% obscured while others sit closer to 88%.
Wondering what time the solar eclipse will take place where you are? You can find out more here, or check below for a list of timings for across Scotland.
Edinburgh
- Eclipse starts: 6.08pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.05pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.59pm
Glasgow
- Eclipse starts: 6.08pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.06pm
- Eclipse ends: 8pm
Aberdeen
- Eclipse starts: 6.06pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.03pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.57pm
Dundee
- Eclipse starts: 6.07pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.04pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.59pm
Fort William
- Eclipse starts: 6.06pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.04pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.59pm
Inverness
- Eclipse starts: 6.06pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.04pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.59pm
Lerwick
- Eclipse starts: 6.01pm
- Eclipse peaks: 6.58pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.52pm
Kirkwall
- Eclipse starts: 6.03pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.55pm
Stornoway
- Eclipse starts: 6.03pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.01pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.57pm
Thurso
- Eclipse starts: 6.03pm
- Eclipse peaks: 7.01pm
- Eclipse ends: 7.55pm
How to safely watch the solar eclipse in Scotland
If you are preparing to witness the solar eclipse you must do so safely. Looking directly at the sun - even when it appears dimmed - can cause serious eye damage or even blindness.
To witness the eclipse safely, you must purchase eclipse glasses which have an ISO 12312-2 mark on them and are undamaged.
Alternatively, you can create a pinhole projector for safe viewing, which is the easiest option if you don’t wish to buy glasses.
To make your own, poke a pinhole in a sheet of cardboard and hold it so the sun shines through, onto a piece of white paper placed around three feet away. This should allow you to see the eclipse projected onto the paper.
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