West Lothian residents are being warned to stay safe when witnessing the solar eclipse on Friday, 20 March 2015.

As the most significant partial eclipse of the sun in Scotland since August 1999, many local residents are expected to view the astronomical phenomenon. West Lothian is predicted to witness a 93% eclipse, starting from around 8.30am and lasting until around 10.45am, with the maximum eclipse at approximately 9.35am.

Looking directly at the sun is dangerous and can result in serious eye damage or blindness. To protect your eyes, please do not ever stare at the sun, even during a partial eclipse.

Follow the Dos and Don’ts of the British Astronomical Association’s Solar Eclipse Safety Code at www.britastro.org/eclipsesafety, such as making yourself a pinhole projector with two pieces of card to view the projected image of the sun rather than looking directly at it. Children should be supervised at all times.