© Angus Miller

Siccar Point is Scotland’s most famous geosite, known around the world as the most important unconformity visited by James Hutton, and used by him to illustrate his ‘theory of the Earth’. Hutton’s friend, John Playfair, said of their visit in 1788 that ‘the mind seemed to grow giddy by looking so far into the abyss of time’. Siccar Point is located on the east coast of the Scottish Borders, not far from the village of Cockburnspath and close to major walking trails.

Despite its celebrity status, Siccar Point has a reputation of being remote and inaccessible. In fact, it can be easily viewed from the cliff top after a short, level walk from the nearest road. However, it is not well known locally and there is limited information in the area to guide you to the site.

In this online seminar, join geologist Angus Miller to explore the geological and human story of Siccar Point and the surrounding area, and discuss what can be done to make the site more accessible and better known in the run up to the tercentenary of James Hutton’s birth in 2026.

Free, booking required. Book here. 

An event in the Scottish Geology Festival 2024, organised by the Scottish Geology Trust.
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