The north of Scotland is preparing for a major tourism boon, in the form of a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse expected to attract legions of stargazers next month.

The first total eclipse to darken the far northern regions of Europe and the Arctic for more than a decade is expected to take place at approximately 9.30am on Friday 20 March. The next total eclipse to take place above Britain isn’t due until 2090, so tourists are eager to ensure they find the perfect vantage point.

While residents of the Faroe Islands are expected to enjoy the best views – with the country’s hotels having booked up months in advance – outlying parts of Scotland are also expected to enjoy stunning views. Almost 97 per cent of the Sun’s disc is expected to be obscured in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, rising to 98 per cent on Skye and Orkney.

Tourism businesses are now preparing to cope with the anticipated extra volume of visitors, with special cruises being organised to head north towards the eclipse, with many due to call in to port in the Highlands and Islands.

“The north-east, Highlands, Orkney and Shetland all boast outstanding natural beauty, but the chance to witness this rare celestial phenomenon will give people yet another reason to visit these regions,” chair of VisitScotland Mike Cantlay told the Aberdeen Press and Journal.

“We would encourage people coming to the north of Scotland to get a good view of the solar eclipse to make the most of their time by going to local visitor attractions and enjoying our excellent food and drink.”