Edinburgh's five-star visitor attraction, Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, is offering the best vantage point of the eclipse this Friday (20 March) with a special early opening.

The attraction, which usually opens at 10am, will start welcoming visitors from 8:30am, allowing them a great vantage point to witness this wonder of nature.

Visitors will also have the unique opportunity to observe the eclipse on the camera obscura viewing table, which it is believed was invented over two millennia ago for safely observing solar eclipses.

It is expected that the eclipse will block out 94% of the sun's light over Edinburgh around 9:35am and will last around three minutes, after which visitors can explore the attraction's five floors of fun and frolics.  The next partial solar eclipse is not expected for another ten years and the next total solar eclipse observable from the UK will only occur in 2090.

Andrew Johnson, manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions, said “Looking directly at the sun can severely damage eyesight, so it is essential to watch the eclipse through a filter or reflection; something which we are able to offer our visitors.  Viewing the eclipse through our camera obscura is perfectly safe and will ensure some of the best views in the city.  The last time we had a partial eclipse, it was an incredible sight, and we hope to offer our visitors an equally compelling experience this Friday as well.”

More information about Camera Obscura & World of Illusions can be found at www.camera-obscura.co.uk.