The Rocks That Shaped the World: Using Hutton’s Story to Inspire Visitors

Unearthing New Stories for Visitors: The Geology of the Scottish Borders

Join geologists from the Edinburgh Geological Society for an inspiring session exploring the spectacular geology of the Scottish Borders coast. Discover the story of James Hutton, the local farmer whose revolutionary ideas at Siccar Point transformed our understanding of the Earth and earned him the title “the father of modern geology.”

As we approach the Tercentenary of Hutton’s birth in 2026, there’s never been a better time to explore how his story — rooted right here in our landscape — can enhance the experiences we offer to visitors. This session will highlight what’s happening to celebrate this milestone, share a wealth of free resources, and introduce local volunteers who can support you in weaving this world-changing story into your own visitor offer.

Whether you run tours, accommodation, attractions or visitor experiences, this is your chance to:

• Learn from expert geologists about the region’s remarkable coastal geology.
• Discover engaging stories that connect visitors to the land beneath their feet.
• Find inspiration for new themed tours, packages and content linked to Hutton’s legacy.
• Collaborate with local partners as we build towards the 2026 celebrations.

Let’s bring Scotland’s geological story to life — and help visitors see how the Scottish Borders quite literally changed the world.

Light refreshments will be provided, please let us know of any dietary requirements