Excursions - General Information

Excursion bookings are taken by Richard Smith, tel 0131 449 4290, e-mail excursions@edinburghgeolsoc.org You may book using the booking form in the Billet, or by e-mail. Please help by booking as early as possible, preferably more than two weeks in advance, as Richard spends time away from home and may not pick up your booking immediately. Bookings will be acknowledged by e-mail whenever possible.

Places will be allocated on a 'first-come' basis. Remember to keep a note of the details for yourself. On booking please give Richard a contact in case of emergency (name, relationship and phone number). Personal details will be disclosed only to the booking clerk and excursion coordinator.

Saturday excursions are by private coach, minibus or sometimes private car (see programme for detailed information). Usually departing from Waterloo Place at 9.00 am prompt. Other pick-up points will be on the outskirts of the city at about 9.15 am, or other arrangements can be made in advance to meet en route or at the start of the excursion. Return to Edinburgh is variable, depending on high tea and other arrangements. Details are given for each excursion. Packed lunches should be taken on all day excursions.

Where coach or minibus transport is arranged, the cost of the Day Excursions is £12 for society members; £6 for juniors, towards travel and organisational expenses. Current society members get priority over guests and non-members, although the latter are welcome and then the normal charge plus 50% will apply. Participants will be asked for a partial contribution for a part journey. Members who attend day excursions in their own vehicles will be asked to make a contribution of £5 (£2.50 for juniors).

Short Excursions on Wednesday evenings are free. Participants should make their own transport arrangements to reach the meeting point at the start time indicated. These excursions will last for about 2 to 2.5 hours. Members should notify Richard Smith of their intention to attend so that appropriate arrangements (such as hand-outs) can be made for the number attending.

Members are welcome to bring guests to excursions. Regular visitors should consider the benefits of joining the Society. Dogs may only be brought on excursions where this is explicitly stated in the excursion abstract, and they must be kept under control at all times. Unless stated otherwise, excursions are not wheelchair accessible.

Please read and observe the notes on Safety on Excursions.

Safety on Excursions

1. The Society has insurance cover for Public Liability which protects against claims from members of the public for compensation following accident or injury deemed to have been caused by negligence on the part of a member of the Society. The insurance policy also provides cover for Personal Accident for those participating in field excursions. All members of the Society, their guests, and invited excursion leaders are insured while taking part in any activity organised by the Edinburgh Geological Society.

2. Fellows and their guests should be aware of potential hazards which may be encountered in the field. For their own and others' safety they should exercise care at all times.

3. Participants should wear clothing and footwear suitable for the excursion. Safety helmets and high-visibility vests may be compulsory on some excursions; where they are required a note is included in the excursion abstract.

4. All intending participants must consider their own level of physical fitness in relation to the itinerary described for any excursion. The Excursion Leader or Excursion Coordinator have the right to refuse to allow any person whose health or fitness may give rise to concern to participate in, or to continue in, the excursion. Persons who are considered to be improperly equipped may similarly be refused permission to participate.

5. The instructions of the Excursion Leader and the Excursion Coordinator (or his nominated deputy) should be followed at all times. It is important to stay with the Leader during all of the excursion. Racing ahead or lagging behind causes problems of safety as well as making the Leader's job more difficult.

6. Any problems should be notified immediately to the Excursion Leader or the Excursion Coordinator. Participants should notify an organiser if they wish to leave the excursion; it is recommended that this is not done alone, particularly in remote or rugged terrain.

7. Particular care should be taken in the use of geological hammers. The use of safety goggles is recommended. Hammering should in any case be kept to a minimum in the interests of both safety and conservation.