The new Deep Time Trail at Siccar Point marks the 300th anniversary of James Hutton’s birth. It helps explain the significance of the site and of Hutton’s work, giving all visitors a sense of Deep Time. The trail leads visitors along a mostly level, step-free, grassy 1.3 km route from the nearest road to the viewpoint above Siccar Point. The Deep Time Trail was planned and designed by CMC Associates for the Edinburgh Geological Society. Trail construction by Callum Gray of Gray Stone Works.
Along the way, Hutton’s story gradually unfolds at stops that include stones with quotations, hand-carved by Michelle de Bruin. Interpretation panels explain Hutton’s background, his work as a farmer, and what brought him to Siccar Point. At each stop, visitors can download audio and video clips, including interviews with experts, geopoetry and music, that delve deeper into the story of James Hutton and Siccar Point.
The new stone viewpoint structure includes seating, a 3D model of the unconformity and interpretation panels. Visitors are encouraged to view the rocks from here. A second viewpoint 200 metres to the south gives visitors another view of the rocks, some geopoetry, and encourages contemplation of the impact that James Hutton’s work had on our understanding of the world, and our place in it.
The Scottish Geology Trust, the Edinburgh Geological Society and The James Hutton Institute raised over £150,000 of funding for the Deep Time Trail: this includes a successful Crowdfunding campaign that attracted over 600 individual donations, and generous funding from the Cockburnspath & Cove Community Fund.
