Aurora borealis photos as display lights up Ayrshire skies

To create the spectacular scenes, energised particles from the sun strike the Earth's upper atmosphere at speeds of up to 45 million mph, but our planet's magnetic field defends us from the onslaught. 

As Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the North Pole, the dramatic process converts into an atmospheric phenomenon that is the Aurora Borealis which dazzles and excites scientists and skywatchers alike.

Peter Watkins captured the below shot of the fantastic lights over Fairlie Bay. 

Todd Ferguson also captured the phenomenon from the north of Cumbrae - and remarked that North Ayrshire was even becoming a top location for viewing the night time natural lights show.

He said: "North Ayrshire is quickly becoming the global Aurora hotspot. These are my pictures taken on Saturday night from Cumbrae."

And the lights were clearly visible above South Ayrshire too, as the picture below by Colin McMillan, taken looking towards Barassie, shows.

Stargazers keen to know when conditions are at their best to view the spectacular displays can do so via Lancaster University's AuroraWatch UK website and app.