After 130 years, stargazers are still spending their nights looking through the lenses of Scotland's oldest public observatory.

Coats Observatory, Paisley, is commemorating the milestone with a string of heavenly events.

The observatory was a gift to the town from the Paisley Philosophical Institution and funded primarily by Thomas Coats, of the famous Coats thread-manufacturing family.

It opened its doors to the public on the night of October 1,1883 and proved a massive success.

Designed by Glasgow architect John Honeyman, it was the country's first purpose-built observatory that allowed the public access to a powerful telescope to see the wonders of the universe up close.

The building now operates as a visitor attraction and museum.

Kathleen Kennedy, of Renfrewshire Arts and Museums, which runs the facility, said: "We are delighted to be celebrating the 130th anniversary.

"The high number of visitors we see through the doors each season is testament to the programme of astronomical themed events and activities we deliver, as well as the uniqueness of this fantastic building.

"We have recently invested in a digital planetarium that allows visitors to view the wonders of the night sky by accurately projecting thousands of stars on to the domed ceiling."

In the winter months the observatory opens twice a week to keep up the tradition of allowing the public to look at the night sky through the telescope.

They can see amazing views of the moon, planets and other astronomical wonders. High resolution images of distant galaxies, nebulae and star clusters can also be seen in great detail

If the weather is poor the planetarium provides a virtual tour of the cosmos without having to worry about the clouds getting in the way.

The new Winter Viewing Season at Coats Observatory runs every Tuesday and Thursday from October 29 until March 27 next year.

Telescope viewing runs from 6.30-9pm and the last admission is 8.45pm.

Admission is free, although places must be booked for the planetarium films as spaces are limited.

Call Paisley Museum on 0300 3001210 to book. Films will operate at 7.30pm, 8pm and 8.30pm.

For further information on Renfrewshire Arts and Museums' events log on to www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/events or see Facebook www.facebook.com/renfrewshirearts or Twitter @RenArtsMuseums

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk