Airdrie Public Observatory is one of four public observatories operating in the UK. The Observatory is operated by ASTRA on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council. The Observatory is of significant historical and scientific interest.

The Airdrie branch of ASTRA (Association in Scotland to Research into Astronautics) hold regular meetings and when weather permits, observing sessions are held using the telescope. The Observatory is open to the public when special astronomical events happen, allowing the stars and comets to be viewed using this magnificent piece of equipment.

The original telescope was donated by local astronomer Doctor Reid to Airdrie Library. In 1925 a 6 inch Cooke of York refracting telescope was donated by Mr Coats of Coats Ironworks and installed and mounted onto an equatorial mount. Cooke was one of the country's foremost telescope makers.

After the war years the Workers' Educational Association began an astronomy class in the Observatory. This encouraged an interest in the sky at night and events in the heavens above.

The Observatory also has a number of smaller telescopes which can be used either at the observatory or can be moved to "dark sky" sites for observing sessions. Airdrie Observatory is a fun and fascinating day out for adults and children alike.