Replacement Telescope Solution Airdrie Library Observatory
North Lanarkshire Council · All their open notices
What this is
Prior Information Notice / market engagement (September 2025): North Lanarkshire Council explored replacing the historic 6-inch refractor at Airdrie Library Observatory with a modern solution: an 8-inch aperture refractor with robotic mount on the existing pier, a solar telescope, an all-sky camera, a high-spec astronomy computer with APS-C colour sensor for live stacking, plus live streaming (and recording) of telescope images to four immersive rooms across the authority, installation and staff training. Estimated GBP 100,000 excluding VAT; the contract notice was estimated for 3 November 2025 — this historical PIN is not biddable; verify the live status on PCS.
Key points
- Replacement telescope solution for Airdrie Library Observatory (8" refractor + solar + all-sky)
- Custom mounting to the historic 1925 pier + streaming to 4 immersive rooms
- GBP 100k est., includes installation and staff training
- Historical PIN (Sep 2025) — tender expected from Nov 2025; verify on PCS
- Suits specialist astronomy-equipment suppliers/integrators
Who can bid
Historical PIN with market-engagement questionnaire; the contract notice was expected from ~3 November 2025 — check PCS for the live tender or award.
How it is scored
Per the follow-on notice.
How to submit
Not biddable — PIN stage.
Clarifications
BrownRu@northlan.gov.uk.
Contract period
Supply + installation + training project.
Classification
CPV 38635000 — Telescopes 48000000 — Software package and information systems Scotland
Published on Public Contracts Scotland. The official notice is the authoritative version.