Solar eclipse glasses 'sold out everywhere' as people look for alternatives

As people across Scotland eagerly await the best view of a solar eclipse in nearly three decades, they face an unexpected obstacle: a shortage of protective eyewear. The UK will experience a partial eclipse on Wednesday evening when up to 95% of the Sun disappears behind the Moon. However, high street stores have sold out of eclipse glasses, leaving shoppers scrambling for alternatives.

Experts warn that even brief exposure to the Sun's rays can cause lasting damage to the retina, making it crucial to wear certified eclipse glasses. Legitimate pairs will display safety certification ISO 12312-2 or ISO 12312-2:2015 printed somewhere on the glasses. Opticians and photography retailers, like Specsavers and Jessops, have confirmed that all eclipse glasses have been snapped up, leaving customers without a viable option.

Some individuals have turned to DIY solutions, like creating pinhole projectors, as a way to view the eclipse safely. Others, like Caitlin Fowler and Morgan Brand, have decided to forgo the glasses altogether, instead relying on a pinhole projector to witness the celestial event. Meanwhile, others like Laura McPhee have travelled from Germany for the World Pipe Band Championships hoping to catch a glimpse of the eclipse but are struggling to find the necessary protective eyewear.

Giles Edmonds, clinical services director at Specsavers, explained that the company has decided not to stock eclipse glasses this time due to the single-use nature of the product and the rarity of the event. He urged people to only purchase genuine products from reputable sellers and to avoid using old or damaged glasses.

In a statement, Paul Campbell, engagement officer at Leisure and Culture Dundee, reminded attendees to bring approved eclipse viewing glasses and emphasized that regular sunglasses are not sufficient protection. He encouraged the use of a solar telescope or creating a pinhole projector as alternative methods for viewing the eclipse.

The next best option, according to Astronomer Royal for Scotland Catherine Heymans, is to use a household object with small holes, such as a colander, to project an indirect image of the Sun onto a surface.