Geowalks

Due to cancellations, I've got some late availability on two unique opportunities to follow in James Hutton's footsteps and explore the geology of Glen Tilt: in 1785, this is the first place where he deliberately set out to find evidence to support his grand 'Theory of the Earth'. And you get to stay in Forest Lodge, just as Hutton did!

Saturday 28 to Monday 30 March 2026 (2 nights)
Monday 30 March to Thursday 2 April 2026 (3 nights)

You can book online, but there is some flexibility in rooming. So if you would like to join us, feel free to get in touch directly to explore options.

https://geowalks.scot/geology-holidays/

Delighted to be joining the team and leading some of GeoWorld Travels Scotland tours!

We are really pleased to share some exciting news about an expansion of our tour programme. Angus Miller, one of Scotland’s best known geology guides, will be leading the second of GeoWorld Travel's scheduled Scotland tours in 2026, with plans to repeat in 2027.

Angus is already well-know through Geowalks, the geological guiding business he has run since the late nineties. He has spent more than twenty five years helping people explore Scotland’s landscapes, telling the story of the rocks beneath our feet in a way that feels warm, clear and very human. His passion for Scotland began on childhood holidays in the Highlands and islands, and it carried him all the way through geology studies in Edinburgh, work with conservation projects in the Highlands, research on Icelandic volcanoes and even time with the Montserrat Volcano Observatory during its major eruption in the mid nineties.

Since founding Geowalks in 1998, Angus has introduced thousands of people to Scotland’s geological story. His walks on Arthur’s Seat have become something of a local tradition, and his work with organisations such as the Edinburgh Science Festival, Dynamic Earth, Historic Environment Scotland and schools across the city has made him a familiar name to many. Alongside guiding he also teaches adult education courses at the University of Edinburgh and has played a leading role in promoting Scottish geodiversity, including chairing the Scottish Geodiversity Forum and helping to establish the Scottish Geology Trust.

We are thrilled to welcome Angus to our guiding team. His knowledge of Scotland’s landscapes is extraordinary and his enthusiasm is infectious. The September 2026 Scotland trip (which is already fully booked!) is going to be something special.

I'm doing a free online talk for the Calton Hill Conservation Trust on Tuesday evening. All welcome!

Online presentation by Angus Miller: Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill, Tuesday 25 November - Calton Hill Conservation Trust Angus Miller, the well-known geologist, is presenting an online programme about Calton Hill’s geology on Tuesday 25 November, starting at 18.00, on Zoom. Angus explains: “Calton Hill is made of a pile of tough igneous rock: lava flows and layers of debris, all volcanic in origin. But Calton Hill...

A roche moutonnée by Loch Duich, showing ice movement from left to right. Some castle thing in the background 😉.

Online sessions for my new Geology of Edinburgh course begin tonight - https://mailchi.mp/3f2621c9bbf3/geowalks-in-17461447

Roxie contemplating tide and time. Millipede trackway, Crail Harbour, Fife. She's not a fan of big beasties and is probably quite pleased this one's deid!

Roxie says: please give Siccar Point some love (and cash!) - https://mailchi.mp/5760aef2597a/geowalks-in-17461143

Lots of great opportunities in the Scottish Geology Trust Festival!

Step into deep time ⏰ with the to explore Scotland’s fossil record—from early marine life 🪼 to land-dwelling reptiles 🦎

See real specimens from the collection and trace the evolution of life!

📅 26th Sept, book a time from 12:00 - 3:00, Lyell Centre, Edinburgh

Free event but booking is essential,

For more information and to book tickets, visit https://www.scottishgeologytrust.org/event/scotlands-fossil-story-life-through-geological-time/

Great opportunity to explore an interesting part of Scotland's geology story!

What if we told you that you are looking at a flash flood that happened over 380 million years ago?! 🤯

The tell tale signs for this prehistoric event are etched into the rock - notice the small pebbles trapped in the sandstone layer? They are the clue that tells us this flood took place. But how? And why these pebbles? You'll have to join us on our new introductory tour to geology to find out... 👀

Join us as we examine how earth, wind, and fire have shaped not just the famous stretch of coastline around Cromarty, but also continue to shape the Earth we call home today! 🌍

Earth, Wind, and Fire: A tour through deep time
🗓 Tuesday 16th Septermber
⏰ 14:00 to 15:30
📍Starts at Hugh Miller's Birthplace Museum
🎟 Spaces limited - find out more and reserve your ticket at: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/earth-wind-and-fire-a-tour-through-deep-time-tickets-1303022658849

National Trust for Scotland Scottish Geology Trust

If you ever find yourself within a 1000 miles of Digne-les-Baines in Haute Provence in southern France, please take 3 days and go visit Le musée Gassendi. I don't have the attention span to really enjoy most museums but I was blown away by this quirky slightly chaotic museum that packs so much into 5 small floors. I'm still trying to process the fake mermaid fossils but there is some absolutely class Andy Goldswothy here and in the surrounding Geopark. And lots of geology. Go!

If you are interested in what's planned to celebrate James Hutton's tercentenary in 2026, the Edinburgh Geological Society is publishing a regular newsletter.

James Hutton Tercentenary - Latest Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/735b2b79aa08/the-james-hutton-tercentenary-54212

How's your Sunday afternoon going? I'm at Siccar Point, yet again. It is really a gorgeous place.