Close encounters on the shores of Loch Earn

See something that no human being has observed before – and no one alive will ever see again - when Mars and the Earth have the closest encounter in recorded history this August.

The ‘encounter’ will culminate on 27 August when Mars comes to within 34,649,589 miles of Earth and will be – next to the moon – the brightest object in the night sky.

The planet – which will rise at nightfall and reach its highest point in the sky at 12.30 am – will be easy to spot and, with a modest 75-power magnification, will look as large as the full moon to the naked eye.

Scotland has some of the least light polluted skies in the UK so, for those who fancy checking out the ‘Red Planet’ in all its glory, ‘north of the border’ is the place to head.

Scottish cottage agency, Ecosse Unique, is highlighting a selection of properties in locations renowned for ‘star gazing’ opportunities including, for example, ‘Findoglen’, a large detached house on the shores of Loch Earn in Perthshire with breathtaking views across the water to the hills beyond.

Sleeping eight, this spacious five-bedroom property costs £850 for a seven-night holiday starting on 22 August.

For more information and bookings, log on to Unique-cottages.co.uk.