Our Cause
The key objective of the Scottish Geology Trust is to inspire people everywhere to understand, love and care for Scotland’s incredible geological heritage and its role in creating a sustainable future.
We are eager to support the importance of Scottish geology in education, inspiring new generations to understand and appreciate the world around us and the impact it has on our lives. We believe Scottish geology doesn’t just have its place in the past, but in the present to address and create a strategy, ensuring a sustainable future for all.
Why our cause matters
The Scottish Geology Trust was established to ensure Scotland’s geology is given the deserved recognition and promotion for its unique geological heritage and its role in a sustainable future.
Read first hand from our Trustees on why the Scottish Geology Trust matters.
Meet the team behind this movement

Melvyn Giles
Formerly Earth Science Research and Development Leader at Shell.
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Angus Miller
Geology tour leader, Teaching Fellow at Edinburgh University and founding Chair of the Scottish Geodiversity Forum.
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Walter Semple
Retired solicitor with experience of business, trust and charity law, and casework in planning and environmental issues. Former Trustee and Treasurer of the John Muir Trust.

Stephanie Flude
Postdoctoral researcher (currently at Oxford University). Noble Gas Geochemist and Geochronologist. CCS Expert. Artist.

Robert Gatliff
Former Head of Energy and Marine Geoscience at the British Geological Survey, and President of Edinburgh Geological Society.

Jez Gittins
Chair, Central Scotland Regional Group of the Geological Society and Principal Environmental Consultant at RPS.

Laura Hamlet
Geopark Coordinator for the North West Highlands UNESCO Global Geopark.

Robert Holdsworth
Professor of Structural Geology, Durham University and lifelong researcher on Scottish geology.

Elsa Panciroli
Palaeontologist and writer, Leverhulme EC Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, and Associate Researcher at National Museums Scotland.

Eileen Tisdall
Lecturer in Biological and Environmental Science at the University of Stirling

Emma Smith
Geography, Geology and Environmental Science teacher at Gairloch High School

Don Stewart
President of the Aberdeen Geological Society and Director at BlakesEye.

Katie Strang
Palaeontologist specialising in early Carboniferous sharks, running @scottishfossils, and building materials analyst for the Scottish Lime Centre Trust

Caroline Gould
Freelance specialist in business development and marketing & communications for small non-profits and start-ups.
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Chris Fancy
Former head of fundraising at RZSS and RSPB Scotland, as well as Deputy Director of Development for Oxford University. Now an author and freelancer.
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Vivien Cumming
Former Research Associate in Earth Sciences at Harvard University, turned science communication specialist using storytelling and visual media to connect people to understanding the Earth.
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Testimonies
“The creation of a national body to protect and promote Scotland’s unique geology is as welcome as it is long overdue. It is a privilege to contribute to this bold and important undertaking.” Hugh Lockhart, Trustee of First Scottish
“Rather than being celebrated for its value to landscape, industry and culture, geology has become tainted in many people’s minds by its connection to extractive industries while overlooking the importance to resources needed for renewables such as geothermal power or the need for lithium and other rare metals…In the absence of any central initiatives or interest the Trust aims to help Scotland’s geology, education and communities…” Melvyn Giles, Chair of Trust