Scotland’s iconic landscapes and rugged coastlines have been shaped by the elements over countless millennia. These foundations, the rocks beneath our feet, hold the secrets of our planet’s past, they have influenced our culture and provide an outdoor playground for us to enjoy and discover.
The Scottish Geology Festival 2021 will be making a splash this autumn for Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters. From the 1st of September to the 17th October the Scottish Geology Trust and partners will deliver a packed programme of activities from Stranraer to Shetland that will showcase and celebrate Scotland’s geology.
Events will range from coastal walks to fossil hunting to online talks and even boat trips to Siccar Point, where James Hutton found proof of an ancient Earth. You can explore extinct volcanoes in Edinburgh or the UNESCO Global Geopark in the North West Highlands, find evidence of ancient tropical seas and coral reefs in Fife, and learn how the recent ice age helped shaped our incredible Scottish landscapes; geology isn’t just a thing of the past, but a tool for exploring our future too.
Melvyn Giles, Chair of the Scottish Geology Trust, said:
“We are delighted that so many organisations and individuals have contributed events to the Scottish Geology Festival, we’ve got an amazing story to tell that about Scotland’s geological past, and the contribution our geology has made to understanding how the planet works.”
For Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters join us on the beach for our beach pebble events all around Scotland’s coastline. These events for everyone, will explore the stories hidden in every pebble: come and find out how they can lead us to a more sustainable future.
The range of events and activities have something of interest to all, whether you’re familiar with geology or not. There will be fantastic opportunities to get involved and learn about Scotland’s fascinating geology for families, communities, visitors, and those making the most of Scottish staycations.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events for VisitScotland, said:
“We are delighted to support the Scottish Geology Festival through Scotland’s Events Recovery Fund. Scotland’s extraordinary geological heritage will be celebrated through an impressive range of events and activities right across the country, while also shining a light on Scotland’s Year of Coasts and Waters.”
All in-person events will adhere to Scottish Government advice to minimise the spread of Coronavirus. The Scottish Geology Festival is organised by the Scottish Geology Trust. For details of all festival events, visit www.scottishgeologytrust.org/festival
