Observatory’s starring role in KT’s anniversary video

The University of St Andrews Observatory has a starring role in Fife singer-songwriter KT Tunstall’s music video for the relaunch of her debut album Eye to the Telescope, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 

The album, which first propelled KT to stardom and sold millions of copies worldwide, takes its title from her childhood connection to the St Andrews Observatory. In the 1980s and 90s, her late father was a physicist at the University, and in his spare time he would bring his children to the domes to look through the telescopes. Those early moments of wonder beneath the St Andrews skies left a lasting impression, inspiring the name of her first record, and, as it turns out, one more song. 

Two decades later, the title track Eye to the Telescope, never finished or released, has been completed and filmed inside the observatory. The scenes were shot in two hours around the observatory, primarily in the Gregory dome, but also including a brief appearance of the Twin dome, with artwork by artist-in-residence at the School of Physics and Astronomy, Tim Fitzpatrick, appearing in exterior scenes. 

“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be involved in the project of bringing new purpose to this wonderful building and its amazing wooden dome. With its telescope removed decades ago, and having been reduced to no more than a storage space, it’s been a joy to see a once neglected building transformed with new interactions of art and science – both inside and outside. A fitting repurposing of an inspirational space,” said Tim.

Observatory Director Alexander Scholz recalled first reaching out to KT via social media after seeing her announcement of the anniversary relaunch and was surprised when they came back saying they were interested in featuring the observatory as part of the music video.

“The university observatory operates a range of telescopes, from small handheld devices to the majestic 63-year-old James Gregory Telescope, an entirely unique product of St Andrews ingenuity – and now featured in a music video,” said Aleks.

Speaking of the music video shoot, KT said: “It was such a thrill to be back in the Telescope dome where my head got completely flipped open as a kid – I am so grateful my dad gave us that experience. The radius of your life when you are young is as far as you can go on your bike, and then suddenly you understand there is a whole Universe we are hurtling through. It completely altered my world and sparked a lifelong love of space and the stars. 

“The metaphor of focusing on things from a distance was so perfect for my songwriting; the light we see through a telescope is often light from the deep past. Growing up in St Andrews where the night sky was always so spectacular, it has always gifted me with the sense of awe that life is so much bigger than our individual selves – and how connected we all are under that same beautiful light show.”

For Aleks, too, the project is a reminder of how astronomy connects people to something bigger than themselves. “Looking at the universe through a telescope provides a new perspective – it sparks creativity and imagination as much as scientific curiosity. That’s why our observatory welcomes the public throughout the year, and why students and amateur stargazers alike find themselves drawn here.” 

The story of Eye to the Telescope’s return, rooted in one artist’s childhood nights under the St Andrews sky, is a powerful reminder of how possibility begins with a simple act: looking up. 

Eye to the Telescope launches on Friday 31 October, and KT is currently on a world tour for the re-launch. Details can be found on her official website. 

Keep your eyes on the Observatory website for the next public open day.