Past Events

  • British Geological Survey: Planet Power

    Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    As part of Edinburgh Science Festival 2026, visit Dynamic Earth for a day of activities with the British Geological Survey – the experts who specialise in knowing what’s happening in the earth beneath us. Have a conversation with a volcano expert, a deep sea mapper or a space weather forecaster. See some amazing displays and […]

    Free
  • Siccar Point RIB trip

    Join us on the Eyemouth Rib for a trip to Hutton's Unconformity at Siccar Point, the famous site in the history of geology that was found in 1788, which James Hutton regarded as conclusive proof of his uniformitarian theory of geological development. Book now: www.eyemouthribtrips.co.uk/booking

    £55
  • Panel discussion:  glancing backwards into a time that far predates us

    This event at the Fruit Market in Edinburgh on Earth Day celebrates two concurrent exhibitions that explore our place in geological time. ** A recording of this event is available here ** James Hutton’s radical geological act is just as relevant today as it was 300 years ago. As we try to comprehend what the future might look like, might be like […]

  • Excursion: James Hutton’s Jedburgh Unconformity & the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Galashiels

    James Hutton’s Jedburgh Unconformity & the Great Tapestry of Scotland at Galashiels Leaders: Alison Tymon & Emma Bedda Follow in the footsteps of Hutton and John Clerk of Eldin, whose stunning 1787 illustration of the Jedburgh unconformity show how conditions change and the difficulty of preserving important geological sites. Afternoon visit to the Great Tapestry […]

  • Royal Scottish Academy Annual Exhibition: In Time

    Royal Scottish Academy The Mound, Edinburgh, United Kingdom

    The 200th edition of the Annual Exhibition will be a melting pot of contemporary art from across Scotland and further afield, with all artworks shown side by side in the Academy’s grand Neoclassical galleries in the heart of Edinburgh. This year’s Exhibition Convenor is artist Annie Cattrell RSA, assisted by Architecture Convenor Fergus Purdie RSA. […]

    Free
  • The James Hutton Institute – who was James Hutton and why are we named after him?

    JHI Crop Innovation Centre Invergowrie, Dundee

    As part of The James Hutton Institute Hutton tercentenary celebrations, we are pleased to invite you to a talk by Ray Perman, Founding Chair and Honorary Fellow of The James Hutton Institute. Ray is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh and brings a wealth of experience across research, public policy and leadership in […]

  • Guided Walk: Hutton’s Coast – the journey to Siccar Point

    It is Scotland’s most important geological site, discovered by James Hutton in 1788, but Siccar Point is tucked away on the rugged coastline of the Scottish Borders: a hidden gem with beautiful coastal scenery and a rich geological story. We’ll get to the point by following James Hutton’s journey along the coast from Cockburnspath, gradually […]

  • Hutton 300 | Earth Matters Panel Discussion

    Scottish National Gallery The Mound, Edinburgh

    James Hutton by Sir Henry Raeburn, National Portrait Gallery Celebrating the tercentenary of the birth of the Edinburgh-born geologist, writer and farmer, James Hutton (1726–1797), who is often described as the ‘father of modern geology’ a panel discussion exploring his influence on contemporary creative thinking. Glasgow-based designer and maker Stefanie Ying Lin Cheong who works with found rocks and […]

  • Excursion: James Hutton’s Edinburgh

    James Hutton’s Edinburgh Leader: Beverly Bergman Join our James Hutton boffin to visit key sites associated with Hutton's life. We will see where he lived as a child, follow his route to school, then visit his final resting place in Greyfriars Kirkyard. The excursion then visits the site of Hutton’s house on St John's Hill, […]

  • Royal Scottish Academy: Geology Walk

    Inspired by In Time, Annie Cattrell RSA's curated element of the 200th Annual Exhibition, we invite you to join a walking tour led by local geologist Dr Angus Miller. Starting at the Royal Scottish Academy, we will reflect on the dynamic geology around our building at the Mound, Princes Street Gardens and the Old Town as we follow […]

    £15
  • Siccar Point RIB trip

    Join us on the Eyemouth Rib for a trip to Hutton's Unconformity at Siccar Point, the famous site in the history of geology that was found in 1788, which James Hutton regarded as conclusive proof of his uniformitarian theory of geological development. Book now: www.eyemouthribtrips.co.uk/booking

    £55
  • Geological Society of America Field Trip: Where Deep Time Began

    Where Deep Time Began: James Hutton, Siccar Point, and Scotland’s Geological Heritage 28 May - 5 June 2026 Celebrate the 300th birthday of James Hutton, the Father of Modern Geology, with an immersive international field experience in Scotland. This special program coincides with the opening of the Deep Time Trail and the Scottish Geology Festival, […]

  • James Hutton and Deep Time exhibition

    Cockburnspath Village Hall Callander Place, Cockburnspath, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

    James Hutton, known as the ‘Father of Geological Time’, lived and farmed in East Berwickshire for some years, developing his ideas about landscape and processes through time. Interpretation boards, exhibits and displays tell his story, culminating in his visit to Siccar Point on the coast near Cockburnspath, where the new Deep Time Trail gives access […]

  • Siccar Point Open Day

    Deep Time Trail, Siccar Point Cockburnspath, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

    Siccar Point on the Scottish Borders coast is one of the most significant locations in the history of geology. It was here in 1788 that James Hutton predicted, and then found, an unconformity - a geological feature that represents a significant gap in the geological record, and shows how the Earth's surface is continually recycled […]

  • Access to Hutton’s Section and Hutton’s Rock, Holyrood Park (ranger led)

    Holyrood Park Queen's Drive, Edinburgh

    See up close the rock formations that inspired James Hutton to re-think the formation of the Earth and kickstart the science of geology! The southern section of the Radical Road will be open each day, giving access to Hutton's Section and Hutton's Rock. There will be HES rangers on duty. You need to book in […]

  • UNCONFORMITY. Gaps, absences and erasures in cultural history.

    The Revelator Clydebuilt 739 South Street, Glasgow

    Soapbox sessions. 30 artists, writers and performers. 10 minutes each. The Revelator in partnership with The Royal Scottish Academy. Contributing artists include : Sam Ainsley, Annie Cattrell, Ilana halperin, Gareth Fisher, Paul Stallan, Dave Sherry, Louise Welsh, Suky Best, Kenny Hunter, Chris Dolan, Katie Houston, Edward Summerton, Shauna McMullan, Leena Namari, Gair Dunlop, Joseph De […]

  • The James Hutton Cycle Trail

    Cockburnspath Village Hall Callander Place, Cockburnspath, Scottish Borders, United Kingdom

    The James Hutton Cycle Trail will be officially opened at the James Hutton and Deep Time exhibition in Cockburnspath Village Hall on Saturday 30th May 2026 at 11am We’d be delighted if you could join us on the day This 51km cycle trail starts and ends at Cockburnspath and links James Hutton’s two farms in […]

  • Scottish Geology Festival 2026

    Scottish Geology Festival 1-30 June 2026 We hope that you will join us for the Scottish Geology Festival 2026, which will take place in June to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the birth of James Hutton - the father of modern geology and one of Scotland's most important enlightenment figures. The theme of the […]

  • Manuscript copy of ‘Theory of the Earth’ on display at the Geological Society of London

    Geological Society of London Burlington House, Piccadilly, London, United Kingdom

    To celebrate 300 years since the birth of Scottish geologist James Hutton on 3 June 1726, a manuscript of his groundbreaking book 'Theory of the Earth' (1795) will be on display in the Geological Society of London Library at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London. James Hutton (1726–1797) was a Scottish geologist, agriculturalist, chemical manufacturer, naturalist and […]

  • Hutton’s Birthday Trail

    This year marks the 300th birthday of Scottish geologist James Hutton; widely regarded as the founding father of geology. As we celebrate this milestone, help Hugh Miller track down the perfect birthday present from the selection of objects house at the museum! 🎂 Inspire the young geologists in your life with a fun and engaging […]

Published by the Edinburgh Geological Society on behalf of the Hutton Tercentenary Campaign Group • Design: Gordon Lang