Picastro has been created by Tom McCrorie who has combined his passion and astrophotography skills with his career as a creative designer.

Having raised initial start-up funding from Interface, he has now secured a six-figure funding boost from a Middle Eastern investor with interests in astronomical observatories, and is already talking to other potential investors around the world.

He is also exploring partnerships with camera and telescope companies about how the platform can be integrated into new equipment.

He said: “Having extensively tested the platform with the community, Picastro combines everything that is good about the well-known social platforms but is tailored for those with an interest in astronomy and astrophotography and a range of skill levels.

“Social media has changed the world in terms of sharing information and allowing communities to come together, but there is a lot not to be liked, such as the constant bombardment of advertising and what the platforms think you’ll like. Picastro has been created very much for the community, and will be curated by its members.

“Maybe it’s the child-borne fascination with what’s out there beyond the stars, but there is a global passion for astronomy.”

Paula Skinner, partner and head of the firm’s entrepreneurial team, said: “Some of the best new businesses are born from an owner’s personal passion.

“Tom has combined some of the best bits of social media with his love and skill for astrophotography, to create a new platform which has truly global appeal. He is also drawing on Scotland’s growing international standing in the space sector, harnessing the experience of an established network to reach global investors and subscribers.”