Scotland's skies aglow with rare clouds

Noctilucent clouds have been spotted from Scotland over the past few weeks.

The Met Office says the clouds are extremely rare and form in summer high up in the Earth's atmosphere.

The Latin name means "night shining" and the clouds usually appear bluish or silvery in colour.

They have been seen from the Western Isles, north-east Scotland and the Scottish Borders.

Debbie Noctilucent cloudsDebbie
John Cuthbert's partner Debbie captured this image of him mesmerised by the clouds at Horgabost in Harris.
Mercury Blue/BBC Weather Watchers Noctilucent clouds from AberdeenMercury Blue/BBC Weather Watchers
A photograph of the rare clouds taken from Aberdeen.
Oz/BBC Weather Watchers Night sky over WickOz/BBC Weather Watchers
Wick has been among places where the clouds have been spotted.
Cogies Auroras/BBC Weather Watchers Noctilucent clouds over RogartCogies Auroras/BBC Weather Watchers
An image taken from Rogart in Sutherland.
Andrew Lindsay Noctilucent clouds pictured from Hamilton, LanarkshireAndrew Lindsay
Andrew Lindsay's picture was taken from Hamilton, Lanarkshire.
Carlt/BBC Weather Watchers Noctilucent clouds photographed from StornowayCarlt/BBC Weather Watchers
Noctilucent clouds photographed from Stornoway on Lewis.
South Uist Vibes/BBC Weather Watchers Noctilucent clouds from Daliburgh South Uist Vibes/BBC Weather Watchers
A dramatic night sky pictured from Daliburgh, South Uist.
Jennifer Brown Noctilucent clouds pictured from Uig, LewisJennifer Brown
Jennifer Brown's picture of the clouds at Uig, Lewis.
Requiem/BBC Weather Watchers Noctilucent clouds pictured from ColdstreamRequiem/BBC Weather Watchers
An image taken from Coldstream in the Scottish Borders.





-bbc