Calls flood in after more lights sighted

Published 1 Jan 2010 14:04

CALLS and emails continue to flood into the Herald office about sightings of strange, orange lights in the sky.

We reported back in November that a tourist spotted three glowing lights in the sky above Sandylands caravan park and since then we have been inundated with similar sightings.

One man from Stevenston told the Herald: "With regards to the story about the orange lights above Stevenston, five of us watched them from Caledonian Road for about three minutes hovering above Sandylands caravan park.

"I was showing guests out at 4.30pm but unlike the story you ran this was definitely on Sunday, December 13.

"The lights were bright orange and one disappeared and then came back before all three vanished. The lights were not helicopters, planes, fireworks or stars and the only explanation we could come up with between us was that it was distress flares from the ship with the annoying fog horn!

"We took a photograph on a digital camera but even though the orange lights were fairly bright they did not show on the photograph.

"I am unsure how long a flare remains bright but that would be my best guess."

Derek Fairlie (senior) also witnessed the lights and said: "I thought I'd write to you after seeing the story in the Herald about strange lights. My wife and kids have been ridiculing me since Saturday, December 12 when I saw a similar thing in Fairlie but around 8.30pm.

"I haven't told anyone else in case they think I am a loony, but obviously seeing your story in the paper has made me wonder what it was I saw!

"Firstly can I say that I am NOT a UFO nut or anything. I don't believe in such a thing, however what I saw was odd - and I've never seen anything like it before. I was simply in my kitchen getting a cup of coffee when I looked out of the window and saw a glowing orange thing roughly in the same sort of area that you'd see the moon, and thought it was just the sky making the moon appear orange. However when I went right up to the window I could see it was moving and my immediate thought was it's a plane on fire. I then thought no your eyes are playing tricks but no it was definitely there. Just as it was going out of eyeshot of the window I dived downstairs to go outside and looked up where this thing was still glowing orange as if on fire.

"It didn't appear to be too high up there was no sound and it still seemed to be moving to the side then after another 20-30 seconds it went straight up, again like the story in the Herald there appeared to be some separation high up when it seemed to suddenly move to the right, straighten up, move to the left, then fall a bit and then shot up until it faded really quickly.

"I have no explanation as to what it could have been which is confusing me. It would be interesting to find out what it was as there must be a simple and logical explanation for what it was."

Stevenston mum Danielle Neely says she saw the lights months before. She explained: "Lot's of people have been reporting orange lights moving around the sky in the Three Towns. We have also seen them on Hallowe'en. The first time we saw it me and my children were out trick or treating near Hayocks park. Everyone crowded and started pointing at it and saying ''What is that?'' My cousins child said it was maybe a Chinese lantern.

"I thought that too until I read the Herald on 16/12/09. My little girl also spotted it again on that same night when we were near St Johns Primary school. We would love to know what it is."

Some people believe they have an explanation. One Three Towns resident said: "I am sure I can answer your question. The lights people are seeing in all probability are sky lanterns which are available to buy from stores in Glasgow or East Kilbride.

"I have bought a box of 10 for use over the festive season and would not like to think people identify this extraordinary magical light experience for a UFO."

If you have seen the lights as well or if you have pictures of them contact the Herald office on 01294 464321 or email us at editorial@ardrossanherald.co.uk

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This article appeared in Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald 30 Dec 09

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