The fight to save Dundee’s observatory from cuts has attracted star backing.
Lorraine Kelly has waded into a battle to save the Mills Observatory from being closed during the summer.
A keen astronomer herself, Broughty Ferry-based Lorraine has joined a campaign to oppose planned cutbacks in the opening hours from April to September.
She said: “As the UK’s only full-time public observatory it is a valuable asset to the city and a remarkable place where anyone interested in astronomy can come and use the telescope and have a talk with the enthusiastic guides for free.
“I have been interested in astronomy since my dad bought me my first telescope when I was five years old. We have both visited the observatory and I even did some filming there for a feature on my show.
“There’s something magical about entering the building which stands in woodland at the top of Balgay Hill near the city centre but feels like another world.
“It is hugely atmospheric and a place to feed children’s imaginations, enthuse anyone interested in space and hugely gratify local and visiting experts.
“Dundee is undergoing a dramatic and exciting renaissance and attention, quite rightly, is on the V&A museum which will be the jewel in the crown, but the observatory is another gem that must be protected.
“I would hate to see it mothballed for half the year and people in Dundee need to show their support for their observatory.”
The observatory, which dates back to 1935, is owned by Dundee City Council but run by Leisure and Culture Dundee, which is largely dependent on council subsidies.
Meanwhile Dundee Science Centre will be hosting a stargazing event from 5pm to 8pm on Saturday where members of the public will hear from a mystery guest speaker from NASA.