Gallery: Skies over the north and north-east lit up by the Northern Lights

Stargazers across the north and north-east got to enjoy a natural phenomenon last night.

The Northern Lights or the Aurora Borealis is most commonly seen in Norway or Alaska.

However, it can also be spotted in the skies above some north and north-east towns on special occasions.

Last night, hues of pink and green could be spotted over Shetland, Oban and Aberdeen, with some lucky photographers able to capture it.

Here are some of the best ones sent in by readers:

Portknockie. By Jan Evans, photographer from Mosstodloch

Beside Sullom Voe, Shetland by Megan Riddell

Lossiemouth West Beach by Leanne Bailey

Portknockie by Mike Diamond of Aberdeen

Lairg, Sutherland, by Ruth Adams

Oban Bay by Nick Edgington

Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire, by Eugene Rutter

Torry, Aberdeen, by Joanna Harrold

Northern Lights over Bennachie. Courtesy William Bird

Northern Lights over Lossiemouth.. Courtesy Joanna Barnes