Discover And Enjoy Scotland’s Past, Present, and Future Through Geology

Scotland is a place like no other, its dramatic landscapes and rugged coastlines are the product of more than 3000 million years of evolution. The rocks beneath our feet have sculpted our country’s culture, heritage and industry, creating this special place we call home. The Scottish Geology Festival offers the opportunity to learn about these incredible stories hidden within Scotland’s rocks through guided walks, online talks, beach pebble events and geological exhibitions – there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

Now in its fifth year running, the Festival will launch with a joint event hosted by Kelvin Hall, The Hunterian and the Scottish Geology Trust – ‘Women on the Rocks: Pioneers of Scottish Geology”. This evening lecture on 28th August, 6:30pm, will explore the history of some of Scotland’s pioneering women geologists whose work has made significant contributions to our understanding of Earth’s processes.

Step into the boots of explorers when you join GeoBus at Kinghorn to discover the geological forces which shaped the Fife Coast. Visit the Bridge of Allan Well House and Copper Mine and learn about the mineral waters on which the spa town was built. Take your rocks and fossils along to be ID’d by a ‘Rock Doctor’ at Scotland’s iconic Hunterian Museum. Uncover the secrets of Scotland’s past and learn about violent volcanoes and giant Mississippi sized rivers that once flowed over vast parts of Angus with AngusAlive and Arbroath Signal Tower Museum. Join our online talk on the latest research which puts Scotland at the heart of Stonehenge.

Dr Katie Strang, Director of the Scottish Geology Festival, said:

“The Scottish Geology Trust are delighted to deliver another exciting Scottish Geology Festival. With events the length and breadth of Scotland and online, the festival is a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to explore Scotland’s rich geological heritage. It offers a chance to discover how Scotland’s rocks have helped us unravel mysteries about the origins of life on Earth and how our environment has changed over millions of years, revealing the secrets of our planet’s past and changing the way you look at the world.”

Dr Elsa Panciroli, Chair of the Scottish Geology Trust, said:

“Scotland is the home of geology, so there is no better place to celebrate it! Many of the great discoveries about how the planet works came from research on our hills and glens, and Scotland remains at the heart of innovation and industry in earth sciences – including meeting the challenges of climate change. The festival is a brilliant way to connect with our rocks and the forces which shaped this land and our people. I encourage you to join an event, and have fun discovering more about the rocks beneath your feet”

Joining forces with SSE Renewables, the Trust will also be encouraging event participants to consider the importance of geology in renewable power assets and tackling climate change. The Trust continues to support awareness raising on how Scotland’s geology can help play a role in a sustainable future.

Jessica Smith, Senior Engineering Geologist at SSE Renewables said: 

“We are delighted to sponsor this year’s festival and work with the Trust to inspire people to learn more about Scotland’s incredible geological heritage. Geological information gathered by renewable energy developments, such as our Coire Glas project in the Highlands, is not only being used to help inform a sustainable future as we work towards net zero but is also being used to advance scientific knowledge of the geology of Scotland.”

The festival is organised and hosted by the Scottish Geology Trust. With a fantastic programme of events on across Scotland both indoors and outdoors, this year’s festival will offer exciting days out, memorable experiences, and open up Scotland’s fascinating geology to all. For details of festival events visit www.scottishgeologytrust.org/festival.