94% of secondary school pupils take part in cultural, sporting and leisure activities outwith the school curriculum 
Annual report 2006/2007 Coats Observatory
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Coats Observatory is a unique attraction, housing astronomical equipment and displays, weather and earthquake recording equipment.
Gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats and designed by Glasgow Architect John Honeyman the building opened in 1883 and has been welcoming everyone with an interest in astronomy ever since. The observatory also has a planetarium which gives visitors a tour of the night sky without having to leave the comfort of their chair.
Gifted to the people of Paisley by Thomas Coats and designed by Glasgow Architect John Honeyman the building opened in 1883 and has been welcoming everyone with an interest in astronomy ever since. The observatory also has a planetarium which gives visitors a tour of the night sky without having to leave the comfort of their chair.
Access: please note that the nature of the listed building means it is unsuitable for those with mobility problems.
During the day you can enter the Observatory via Paisley Museum, but on evenings when it is open for night sky viewings its best to enter via the Oakshaw Street entrance.
Wonders of the night sky
Viewing Nights every Tuesday and Thursday from October to March
During the winter months the observatory is open for night sky telescope viewing (weather dependant).
On clear nights the telescope is trained on the moon, the planets and other interesting sights in the sky.
Viewing evenings are free and there is no need to book.
Viewing Nights every Tuesday and Thursday from October to March
During the winter months the observatory is open for night sky telescope viewing (weather dependant).
On clear nights the telescope is trained on the moon, the planets and other interesting sights in the sky.
Viewing evenings are free and there is no need to book.
Solar Viewing
25 June - 27 August 2009
Using the special solar telescope set up in the observatory garden you can come along for the afternoon and safely view our nearest star (weather dependant).
Sunspots, solar prominences and flares are visible through the telescope.
Solar viewings are free and there is no need to book
25 June - 27 August 2009
Using the special solar telescope set up in the observatory garden you can come along for the afternoon and safely view our nearest star (weather dependant).
Sunspots, solar prominences and flares are visible through the telescope.
Solar viewings are free and there is no need to book
If the weather is poor:
Telescope viewings, whether night sky or solar, are dependant on having clear skies and low wind. In the event that scheduled telescope viewings can't go ahead for this reason, alternatives like planetarium shows will be arranged.
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Getting here
Coats Observatory location mapThe venue is easily accessible via public transport, and is only a five minute walk from Paisley Gilmour Street Station, just ten minutes by regular rail service from Glasgow Central Station.
You can plan your journey simply by using the Traveline Scotland website
Admission to Coats Observatory is free
Open hours
- Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm (closed for lunch 1pm - 2pm)
- Sunday 2pm - 5pm
- Viewing evenings (28 October 2008 - 28 March 2009) 6.30pm - 9.30pm (last entry 9pm)
- Solar viewings (June - September) 2pm - 4pm
- Email ram.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- Phone 0141 889 2013 (Coats Observatory)
- Coats Observatory 49 Oakshaw Street West, Paisley, PA1 2DE
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