Scots stargazers are gearing up to marvel at the biggest solar eclipse in a generation.

 

A partial solar eclipse is set to take place on Wednesday, August 12 obscuring more than 90 per cent of the sun.

 

However skywatchers will not experience total darkness, instead the sun will shrink to a thin crescent causing a twilight effect across the country.

 

The UK falls just outside the official path of totality, which means we will only be able to see the Moon covering part of the Sun – weather permitting.

 

People are being warned not to look directly at the sun during the spectacle and to wear certified eclipse glasses or handheld solar viewers for safety.

 

Experts say this will be the most significant solar event visible from the UK since the total eclipse in August 1999 at the Moon’s ascending node of orbit.

 

Glasgow will experience the biggest blackout – 91 per cent - due to start at 6.08pm and will reach its maximum point just after 7.05pm, ending around 8pm.

 

Meanwhile 90 per cent of Edinburgh will fall dark as the eclipse reaches its peak at 7.05pm.

 

The Isle of Barra will have the best view in the country with coverage of around 93 per cent.

 

The astronomical shadow will also cover parts of Europe Spain will be one of the best places to experience the total eclipse, along with Greenland and Iceland, but in the UK, we’ll still be in for a great celestial show as the sun will be covered from 88 per cent in the far north-east of the country, to approximately 96 per cent in the extreme south-west.

 

The best spots for a clear view across Scotland are: Machrihanish in Argyll and Bute on the south-western edge of Scotland, Loch Lomond shores, Cathkin Braes, Kelvingrove Park, the Queen’s Park flagpole, Hamilton Claypits Nature Reserve, Arthur’s Seat, Calton Hill, Portobello Beach and the Forth Shore and Blackford Hill and the Royal Observatory.

 

The UK is not predicted to see another total solar eclipse until 2090 which will be visible from south-west England.