DECADES of disappointment over the elusive Northern Lights evaporated with a mind-blowing Black Isle display caught all thanks to a dog wanting a walk.

Christina Mackay’s images captured in Cromarty have now been seen around the world after the excited fundraising consultant shared them online.

She told the Journal: “I have waited all my life to see the Northern Lights, it’s been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember. My husband and I have apps which track activity but recently gave up on going on as I was always so disappointed that we never saw anything, and envious of everyone else’s photos of bright green dramatics in the sky!”

That changed on Sunday night when they stepped outside their gate to take their dog, Roxy, for her bedtime stroll: “There they were. Dancing, silently and beautifully in the sky. I ran down to the shore line and was in tears!”

She said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes. They were so big, so bright......absolutely magical! It was hard to comprehend after all these years they were just there. And I knew this wasn’t just any old display, I knew this was special as they were as bright as the lights from Nigg which I always thought would wash out any chance of seeing them here.”

Husband Ewen caught the stunning shots on his phone.

Christina added: “I would love to have loads of hints and tips on how to find them, but since I posted these photos my Twitter has blown up with comments from around the world from those who have searched for them for years.

“I think we were just really lucky. It was nice to witness something so magical during these times of darkness and sadness in the world. I know it sounds weird but it really filled me with positivity and energy. I hope everyone gets this opportunity.”

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