Discovery Day: James Hutton 300

Book into the latest of RSGS’s highly popular Discover Days.  Over 2 hours you will hear from four different experts with perspectives, stories and insights into the life and work of celebrated geologist James Hutton.

We are delighted to welcome Professor Dame Lorna Dawson, Head of Soil Forensics at the James Hutton Institute, Edinburgh-based geologist Dr Angus Miller, climate change officer for the Church of Scotland Dr Adrian Shaw, and RSGS Trustee Margaret Wilkes alongside the RSGS Collections Team.

Together they will delve into Scottish geology and geological maps, Hutton’s life and work, and why his groundbreaking discoveries remain so important today.

James Hutton's Legacy: the wisdom that changed how we think about geology, agriculture and soils: Professor Dame Lorna Dawson from the James Hutton Institute discusses the wonders of what James Hutton brought to a range of disciplines across the UK and features a range of present day research tools and impact stories that he would have been involved with had he lived today.

James Hutton's Geology: the rocks that changed the world: Angus Miller from the Edinburgh Geological Society introduces the geological sites across Scotland that Hutton explored between 1785-1788, and used as evidence to support his 'Theory of the Earth'.

The Dog that Didn’t Bark: Adrian Shaw investigates why the Church of Scotland and its ministers were unperturbed by James Hutton’s Theory of the Earth and his argument that the earth must be of great antiquity.

Mapping Geology: The RSGS Collections Team showcase of collection of maps from the RSGS archive which help tell the story of Hutton and Scotland’s geology.

Tickets are available for tours at:

11am - 1pm

12pm - 2pm

1:30pm - 3:30pm

2:30pm - 4:30pm