Inspiring people everywhere to understand, love and care for Scotland’s incredible geological heritage and its role in creating a sustainable future.
A’ misneachadh daoine anns gach àite gu tuigse, spèis agus cùram a bhith aca do dhualchas geòlasach na h-Alba agus a dhleastanas ann a bhith a’ stèidheachadh seasmhachd teachdail.
A SCIO registered in Scotland:
Charity Number SC049775
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Annual General Meeting 2026
So this is a great chance to join the Scottish Geology Trust, and to come to the AGM to find out more about our work! As well as reviewing last year’s activities, including the Scottish Geology Festival and the Geosites Project, we will be looking forward and making plans for the rest of 2026.
Crowdfunder Success!
We did it! We are going to build the Deep Time Trail at Siccar Point! Thank you so much to everyone who donated, and everyone who supported the campaign by sharing it. We couldn’t be doing this without you.
Work for us at SGT
The Scottish Geology Trust is looking to appoint a part-time Administrative Assistant to support the smooth running of the charity.
We are looking for a candidate who is a dedicated and organised individual, with some experience of administrative or secretarial work. Interest in geology and the aims of the Trust is desirable, but not essential.
This is a part-time position, 7 hours a week at £20 per hour, flexible and working mostly from home. The successful candidate will be asked to attend monthly meetings of the trustees, which are held online.
Candidates will be employed on a self-employed basis for an initial 6-month period (with a 1 month probationary period). After 6 months the contract may be extended, subject to review.
If you are interested in applying for this position, please send a CV and short covering letter to secretary@scottishgeologytrust.org. Application deadline is 19th December.
The full job advert can be found here: SGT_AdministrativeAssistant
Help us build the James Hutton Deep Time Trail!
We are raising vital funds for a new Deep Time Trail at Siccar Point to celebrate the life and legacy of James Hutton for his Tercentenary.
Isle of Arran Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark
Arran Geopark
Isle of Arran Designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark: A Celebration of Natural Heritage and Sustainable Development
Isle of Arran, Scotland – 17th April 2025
Arran Geopark is proud to announce its official designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark, a recognition that highlights the island’s unique geological heritage, rich biodiversity, and commitment to sustainable development. This prestigious designation was awarded during the recent UNESCO
Executive Board meeting, marking a significant milestone for the island and its community.
The Scottish Geology Trust are an ongoing supporter of the Geopark – information compiled as part of our Geosites Project was used to prepare information for the accreditation, and two of our Trustees visited the Geopark to support the accreditation process in June 2023.
The Isle of Arran, often referred to as ‘Scotland in Miniature’, boasts diverse landscapes including rugged mountains, rolling hills, and stunning coastlines. Its geological features tell a story of over half a billion years of Earth history; the collision of continents, tropical forests, the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, and the sculpture of landscapes by glaciers. The designation as a UNESCO Global Geopark not only celebrates these features, but it also emphasises the importance of conserving them for future generations.
“We are thrilled to receive this recognition from UNESCO,” said Sheila Gilmore, Chair of Arran Geopark and CEO of VisitArran. “This designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local community, who have long understood the value of our natural heritage. It provides us with an incredible opportunity to promote responsible tourism, encouraging visitors to enjoy our unique geology, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment.”
As a UNESCO Global Geopark, the Isle of Arran will focus on promoting geotourism, environmental awareness and community engagement. The Geopark will offer a range of activities, including guided geological tours, educational workshops, and conservation initiatives; all aimed at increasing understanding of our international importance for locals and visitors, while protecting the island’s natural resources.
The designation also opens doors for collaboration with other Global Geoparks around the world, allowing the Isle of Arran to share knowledge and experiences whilst learning from others. This global network will further enhance the island’s profile as a destination for eco-conscious travellers seeking to explore its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
The Isle of Arran Geopark Committee invites residents and visitors alike to join in celebrating this momentous occasion. A series of events and activities will be organised throughout the year to raise awareness about the Geopark and its significance, and we are delighted to be hosting this year’s UK Geoparks Conference on 5-6 June.
Angus Robertson MSP, the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Constitution, External Affairs and Culture said: “Scotland’s natural heritage is world renowned, and I’m delighted that the Isle of Arran has now been recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark. This is a proud moment for everybody connected to the island, whose dedication has helped secure this prestigious accolade. Arran’s remarkable landscape tells a global geological story and this new UNESCO status ensures it will be preserved, celebrated and shared for generations to come, whether locals or visitors.”
About Arran UNESCO Global Geopark
Arran UNESCO Global Geopark is dedicated to promoting the island’s geological heritage, fostering sustainable development, and enhancing community engagement. As a UNESCO Global Geopark, it aims to protect and celebrate the unique natural environment of Arran while providing educational opportunities for residents and visitors. Arran Geopark is a Registered Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation SC052706.
Read the press release from the Geopark here
Visit the Arran UNESCO Global Geopark website
Annual General Meeting – Thursday 10th April 2025
The fifth Annual General Meeting of the Scottish Geology Trust will be held on Thursday 10th April 2025 between 12:30 and 16:00 (AGM business 13:30 – 14:00). The meeting will be hybrid, with the option of attending in person at National Museums Scotland, or on Zoom.
Trustee elections – are you interested in being an SGT Trustee?
The AGM means it is election time! SGT is run by our board of Trustees. Trustees are either elected by the membership for a term of 3 years (up to 12 Trustees), or appointed by the Board (up to an additional 3 Trustees). This year, we are holding elections for 5 Trustees.
Would you like to help contribute to SGT’s sustainable growth, help deliver our charitable aims, and get some great governance, strategy and management experience at the same time? Then consider standing for election!
You don’t need to be a trained geologist. We are particularly keen to hear from those with a background in primary or secondary education, civil service / government, community development, and fundraising. Knowledge of the legal and regulatory landscape, experience in drafting policies, and mobilising people and resources are also areas we would like to add to the Board. If you have these, or any other skills and experience you feel will make a positive contribution to our work, please consider nominating yourself to become a Trustee! We particularly encourage nominations from people who identify with groups that are currently under-represented in the field of Geology.
Elected Trustees will serve a term of 3 years, after which they are eligible to stand for election again up to a maximum continuous term of 6 years.
If you would like an informal chat about the experience of being an SGT Trustee, please feel free to get in touch with any of our Trustees for a chat. You can contact Chair Elsa Panciroli via chair@scottishgeologytrust.org and Vice-Chair Steph Flude via steph@scottishgeologytrust.org.
If you are interested in standing for election, please notify our Secretary, Emily Brown, by email no later than 5pm on 16th March: secretary@scottishgeologytrust.org.
Please include a statement outlining why you want to become a trustee (maximum 200 words), which will be shared with SGT members as part of the voting process. Ideally, your statement should also include the email addresses of up to two SGT members who support your nomination, however, we’re happy to consider applications without supporting member emails (you’ll be supported by Board members instead). All nominees must be members of the Scottish Geology Trust, and candidates should be eligible to be a charity trustee (see page 6 of this document for a list of who is disqualified from being a trustee).
Trustees will be expected to attend our monthly Board meetings which usually lasts for 1-2 hours. If Trustees are willing, they can take on more responsibility within the Board by participating in other committees (e.g. the Executive Committee, the Comms group or Funding group), which will come with a larger time commitment and more meetings. If you want to know more about what is involved with being a charity trustee, see the Office of the Scottish Charity Register (OSCR) guidelines here.
Join us for the Arran Geoblitz!
We’re looking for volunteers to help record information on Geosites on the Isle of Arran.
A big part of Scottish Geology Trust’s mission is to support Scotland’s Geoparks. There are currently four, and two are part of the UNESCO Global Geopark programme. This programme recognises efforts in geoconservation and geoscience education, preservation of geoheritage, and nature-based tourism, while supporting sustainable development of the area. The Isle of Arran is very close to achieving UNESCO Global Geopark status (https://www.arran-geopark.org.uk/). Reviewers visited in summer 2024, and their mission report recommended that the Geopark develop a more accurate database of geological sites, including site maps and more detailed descriptions.
Here’s where you come in! SGT is holding a Geoblitz 19-22 April 2025 identifying new Geosites, and confirming and updating the records. Would you be interested in helping? It involves spending a few days in Arran as part of SGT’s Geoblitz team, contributing to collecting data as well as enjoying the amazing geology of the island.
Not only will you be helping the Arran Geopark, but you’ll be contributing to SGT’s flagship Geosites project. No experience is necessary, although some familiarity with geology is ideal. Training will be provided, and basic accommodation and travel costs covered. Please contact Angus Miller (angus@scottishgeologytrust.org) for more information and to sign up for the Geoblitz.
We are grateful to the Curry Fund of the Geologists’ Association and the Edinburgh Geological Society for grants to support the Geoblitz.
Blog: North West Highlands Geopark Geotour
SGT Volunteer Maureen Whalen shares her experience participating in a recent Geotour of the North West Highlands Geopark.
North West Highlands Geopark Geotour 16th – 19th September 2024
Early Autumn 2024 – What a glorious week to visit the North West Highlands UNESCO Geopark and take part in the Geotour led by the Geopark’s Geologist Pete Harrison. The weather was superb after a bit of a cloudy start and I spent four days ‘geologising’ along with four other ‘geotourists’. We ranged in familiarity with geology and Scotland’s geology from a retired British Geological Survey palaeobotanist to an interested generalist. I fell somewhere in the middle of the continuum, being a geologist, but not having ‘grown up’ with Scotland geology.
We started, as one usually does, with tracing the history of the Geopark and the exploration and mapping of this spectacular area of Northwest Scotland, north of Ullapool.
The Geopark encompasses over 2,000 km2 extending from Ullapool north to Cape Wrath and Durness and east to include Loch Eriboll, Kylesku (home of the Geopark’s Rock Stop Café and visitor’s centre), and the Bone Caves near Inchnadamph. That’s a lot of ground to cover in just four days! We had to be selective and there’s always more to see on the next trip. You can learn more about the Geopark in their recent leaflet (https://nwhgeopark.com/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-LEAFLET-2023_v4.pdf). The primary purpose of the North West Highlands Geopark as part of the UNESCO Geopark programme is to promote geoconservation, sustainable (geo)tourism, the local community and economy, and geoscience informal education in an outdoor setting. The North West Highlands Geopark does this and more! Recent news from the Geopark include a ‘MyGeopark Story’ competition and plans for an Astro Night in Coigach – 23rd January 2025 (https://nwhgeopark.com/events/list/).
I found the development of the understanding of the geology of the Northwest Highlands to be as fascinating as the geology itself. The ‘highlands controversy’ about the processes that formed the rocks and the geologists who explored them persisted through the 1800s was finally resolved in a large part due to fieldwork undertaken by Victorian geologists, Peach and Horne in the late 1800’s, (for a great summary see: https://nwhgeopark.com/landscape/the-highlands-controversy-early-progress-1/). This excellent example of the scientific method laid the ‘groundwork’ for years of exploration, education, discussion, further discussion with each newly found understanding leading to further questions. The best of science!
Knockan Crag Visitor’s Centre, Statues of Peach and Horne. Photograph courtesy of Maureen Whalen
After becoming oriented to the layout of the Geopark and visiting the Knockan Crag visitor’s centre to learn about Peach and Horne who famously mapped the area in the late 1800’s, we followed the geology northwards geographically and back in time. We were encouraged to make our own observations, developing our understanding of the geology, rather than simply being told. Pete was there to answer questions and guide the discussion.
A rock wall depicting the geological layers of the North West Highlands. Photograph courtesy of Maureen Whalen
Looking at the roadcuts and outcrops of the ‘recent’ Moine Thrust zone (430 million years ago) over the older rocks, we discussed how their depositional environments changed as the smashed together pieces of the Earth’s crust that make up this part of Scotland moved from the just south of the equator to their current location. It’s a complex and fascinating story that deserves more attention than a few sentences in a blog; I encourage you to do some research of your own.
We also explored evidence of how people have used these rocks to build not only rock walls, but brochs such as the 2,000 year old Clachtoll Broch just south of Stoer Beach, Assynt (https://www.clachtollbroch.com/).
Stairway between the stone walls of Clachtoll Broch, Assynt. Photograph courtesy of Maureen Whalen.
I ended as I began, fascinated with why our landscape appears the way it does, how it got there, and a deep admiration for the generations of geologists, academics, community members, creatives, and local governments who work to query, preserve, enhance, and showcase the best understanding of the world around us.
Many thanks to Pete Harrison, the North West Highlands Geopark, and my fellow ‘geologisers’.
Maureen
SGT Seeking New Trustees
Scottish Geology Trust (SGT) are seeking two new Trustees to join our board of governors, who will lead on developing our fundraising and membership strategies.
SGT is a Scottish membership-based charity that aims to help people everywhere to understand, love, and care for Scotland’s amazing geological heritage. 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. We meet our aims through the annual Scottish Geology Festival, as well as our citizen science Geosites geoconservation project, and many other initiatives working with the public and professional geologists. We are also the home of Scotland’s Geodiversity Charter.
We want to develop fundraising and membership-growth strategies and are looking to appoint two new Trustee board members to lead these initiatives. As a relatively young charity (launched in 2020) we have achieved a lot with a small amount of resources, and are now we are looking for ways to remain sustainable in the long term. Our ideal candidates will have a strategic mindset and experience of successful fundraising in the heritage sector and / or relevant experience with membership-based organisations. A connection to Scotland and an interest in geology is desirable but not necessary. We especially welcome applications from candidates who are under-represented in the wider Scottish Geological communities, and who are looking for their first Trustee role. Candidates must not be disqualified (or be likely to become disqualified) from being charity Trustees.
New Trustees are expected to attend Board and Executive Committee meetings (online video calls, 1-2 hours, once per month, with occasional extra meetings as required) and lead on designing and implementing our fundraising and membership strategies. Strategy development will be in collaboration with the rest of the Board and key SGT volunteers. All Trustees are legally responsible for the charity and are expected to act in the best interests of SGT, follow the Nolan Principles and adhere to SGT’s Constitution. You can read more about the general duties and obligations of being a trustee for a Scottish charity in OSCR’s Guidance and Good Practice document. In return, we offer the opportunity to help shape a dynamic young charity and demonstrate and gain experience in strategic leadership. We don’t expect you to have all of the answers, and we can help you access relevant training if required.
For informal enquiries, please reach out to our Chair, Elsa Panciroli (chair@scottishgeologytrust.org) or Vice-Chair, Steph Flude (steph@scottishgeologytrust.org).
To apply, please email secretary@scottishgeologytrust.org with a brief statement (300-600 words) explaining why you are interested in joining us as a Trustee and how your skills, experience, and motivation will help us to develop fundraising and membership-growth strategies. Applications should be received by 23:59 (GMT) on Sunday November 17th. Assessment of applications will be carried out by SGT’s Executive Committee, with an aim of appointing new trustees at the December Board meeting. Due to our constitution, appointment in the first instance will be until the AGM in spring 2025, with the potential for yearly reappointment up to a maximum of 6 years of service or to stand in yearly Trustee elections.
Three Scottish Sites Recognised in Prestigious IUCN List
The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) has announced its Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, picking three from Scotland for global recognition: the Metamorphic Barrow Zones, the Rum Igneous Complex, and the Parallel Roads of Glen Roy.
More than 700 experts from 80 nations and 16 international organizations took part in formulating this global list. The Second 100 Geological Heritage Sites are distributed in 53 countries, and have received IUGS recognition because they are of the greatest scientific value, demonstrating geologic features and processes, and having helped developed the science of geology.
In 2022 Siccar Point was among the first 100 sites, chosen for its fundamental role in the history of geosciences, and our understanding of stratigraphy and sedimentology. This is where James Hutton recognised the significance of unconformities (a boundary or break in the geologic record, between rocks of different ages, that indicates a period of erosion or non-deposition of sediment) and the possibility of ‘deep time’.
The new list, which was announced at the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC) in Busan, Republic of Korea, selects a further 100 sites of great geoheritage value. The Metamorphic Barrow Zones in Scottish Highlands was included because they are where the first systematic study of regional metamorphism took place (where rock is transformed physically or chemically at high temperature), through analysis of index minerals in metamorphosed mudstones. The Rum Igneous Complex contains a superb array of shallow ultramafic to felsic igneous rocks (rock created from volcanic processes), that differentiated in an open system and concentrated precious metals. The Parallel Roads of Glen Roy are iconic evidence for glacial lake shorelines, and their recognition underpinned the development of the Glacial Theory in the 19th century.
It is hoped that the recognition and visibility by IUGS will lead to further appreciation of these sites. This includes their use as educational resources, and, most importantly, as sites worthy of long-term preservation.
Read more about the Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites and download the site list here.