With so much space, and so few man-made constructions blocking the view, Scotland is the perfect place to cloak yourself in the wonder of a vast, beautiful sky.

While extra hours of daylight are a summer bonus here, dramatic sunsets and sunrises and star-scattered nights more than compensate for the shorter days in winter and spring, when crisp weather can mean glistening snow on the hilltops and crystal clear views.

There is something unique about the light in this part of Scotland, as local artist Jolomo explains: “The west coast and The Western Isles inspire me because of the most wonderful light – the Light of the West, I call it,” he says. “When I am painting, although I am painting the landscape, I am really painting the light on that landscape.”

Wherever you travel in this part of the world, there will be chances to catch that light, whether you chose to gaze up at the constellations or out to watch the sun set over a shimmering sea.

If you are planning to rise early to see the sun come up, you’ll need to be up around 6 am in March, and even earlier – by 5.30 am – by the end of April. The more sociably timed sunsets are between 6.30 an 7pm in March and between 8pm and 9pm in April.

Highlights for stargazers include a full moon on March 27, meteor showers around April 21, and a partial lunar eclipse on April 25.

Below are a handful of our favourite places to soak up the view.

Sunrise

Rannoch Moor and Glencoe

The journey through Glencoe is staggering at the best of times, but a pink-tinged sunrise over snow-capped peaks shows the landscape off at its most majestic. From the bleak beauty of Rannoch Moor to the imposing peaks of the three sisters, in our opinion this isn’t just one of the most impressive landscapes in Britain, it’s one of the best in the world.

Getting there: The West Highland Way footpath cuts through Glencoe, and the leg from Kingshouse to Kinlochleven is stunning at dawn (though with treacherous terrain we do not suggest setting out in complete darkness). Alternatively, drive from Tyndrum to Glencoe on the A82 towards Fort William. There are plenty parking spots along the route for photography breaks, with a particularly grand vista at the Achallader view point.

Duncan Ban MacIntyre’s monument, Dalmally

This granite monument to a gaelic bard presents terrific views across Loch Awe to the Pass of Brander. Follow in Queen Victoria’s footsteps to gain your own inspiration – and perhaps compose a spot of verse – as you gaze over Kilchurn Castle to the sacred islands where generations of Clan Campbell chiefs have been lain to rest.

Getting there: Take the A85 to the village of Dalmally and head towards the railway station. From the top of the village the path up to the monument is signed – it’s about a half hour walk, or you can drive most of the way and just walk the final mound.

Sunset

Ganavan: Although only a short walk from Oban, this beach feels a world away from the bustling town centre and a stroll (perhaps with your fish and chips) is the perfect way to finish off an evening out in town. Watch the boats come and go as you gaze out to the silhouettes of the islands beyond.

Getting there: Ganavan is signed from the Corran Halls roundabout in Oban – follow the coast road on foot or by car, passing the cathedral and Dunollie castle.

Iona Abbey: Watching the glow of sunset from this place of pilgrimage is a rewarding spiritual experience, whatever your faith. Head for one of the beaches on the west of the island for the best views out to sea.

Getting there: You can reach Iona via a ten-minute ferry crossing from Fionnphort on the Isle of Mull (see www.calmac.com for timetables) or on an organised tour.

Stargazing

Kintyre: The West Kintyre coast is one of the best places in Europe to go stargazing, and one of few where the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. The area has been designated a Dark Sky Discovery Site, thanks to the lack of light and air pollution – the land mass of the Kintyre peninsula shields the coast from the bright lights of Glasgow.

Getting there: Take your pick of the beautiful beaches on the A83, including the world famous Machrihanish Bay. The village of Bellochantuy is home to the west Kintyre stargazers, who hold events in the Putechan Hotel (see www. westkintyrestargazers.weebly.com).

Kilmartin Glen: The ancient monuments and standing stones of Kilmartin are a reminder that the sun, moon and the stars have been revered here for millennia – erected over 4,000 years ago, their construction was thought to have been governed by solar and lunar events. Today, the flat glen landscape still makes a great stargazing destination.

Getting there: Take A816 to Kilmartin from either Oban or Lochgilphead and follow local signs. Go to Dunadd Hill Fort to overlook the glen, or walk out to the Temple Wood standing stones, lie on your back beneath them and look up – though you might want to take a blanket to avoid the sheep dung.