Beach Pebbles at the Edinburgh Science Festival

Thursday 11th / Friday 12th / Saturday 13th / Sunday 14th April 2024, 10am to 1pm

Every beach pebble has got a story to tell, about how the original rock was formed and what’s happened to it since then, to turn it into the pebble you can pick up on a beach today. Join geologists from the Edinburgh Geological Society on a local beach for some hands-on activities to explore the stories hidden in every pebble. We’ll discover an amazing variety of different types of pebble, find out where they come from and what they tell us about Scotland’s geology. We’ll also explore why the beach looks the way it does, and how it might change in the next few decades with climate change. You can try out some games and activities that will help you find out more about Scotland’s geology and make you think! Build a mini drystane dyke, skim some stones, or help make a map of the area.

Please dress for the weather. Warm clothing and strong footwear advised. Events take place close to access points but you may need to walk up to 100 metres on sand or pebbles and negotiate ramps or steps. Children must be accompanied by an adult and all participants require a ticket.

If you have mobility needs why not contact Beach Wheelchairs Portobello (Saturday 12th) or North Berwick (Sunday 13th) to see if they can help.

BWC Portobello have a range of manual beach wheelchairs and one special all terrain power wheelchair for free hire that can be used to get on the beach and take part in our activity. They also have a hoist that takes a loop style sling available to use. The event at Portobello is very close to their base and has ramp access to the beach. To find out more, including how to book check out their website https://www.facebook.com/beachwheelchairsportobello or phone 0300 666 0990 to chat to one of their volunteers.

BWC North Berwick have a range of manual beach wheelchairs and one special all terrain power wheelchair for free hire that can be used to get on the beach and take part in our activity. They also have a hoist that takes a loop style sling available to use. The event at North Berwick is very close to their base and has ramp access to the beach. To find out more, including how to book check out their website https://www.facebook.com/beachwheelchairsnorthberwick or phone 0300 111 2112 to chat to one of their volunteers.

Thursday 11th April, 10am to 1pm: Wardie Bay – book here
Friday 12th
 April, 10am to 1pm: Cramond Beach – book here
Saturday 13th April, 10am to 1pm: Portobello Beach 
– book here
Sunday 14th April, 10am to 1pm: North Berwick Beach 
– book here

Event locations