Geology
Excursions
We organise excursions
from springtime to autumn:
including day, evening
and residential excursions.
Geology
The Geology Excursion Programme features a range of events, including our core programme of day excursions and local evening excursions, led by a geologist with expert knowledge of the locality.
Our geology excursions are informative, enjoyable and a highly popular part of the Society’s activities. The 2018 Excursions programme allows you to experience the superb range of geology that southern Scotland has to offer. Explore the building stones of Perth, find some amazing fossils, find out about the glacial history of the River Tweed area … or go on an evening excursion to a local hill and explore the historical links between landscape, resources and people.
Click on the tabs below for details, dates and links to further information.
Day Excursions
Saturday 2 June, 9 am
Ardross–St Monans Leaders: Rosalind Garton and Richard Batchelor, St. Andrews University (apologies for the mistake with Rosalind’s name in the newsletter).
Saturday 16 June, 9 am
Coldingham Leader: Emrys Phillips, BGS.
Sunday 17 June, 10.15 am in Berwick
Berwick Leader: Alison Tymon.
Saturday 30 June, 9 am (Joint excursion with the Geological Society of Glasgow)
Perth City and environs Leader: Con Gillen.
Saturday 14 July, 9 am
Duns Leaders: David Stephenson and Alison Tymon.
Saturday 28 July, 9 am
Eddleston Water and Talla catchments of the River Tweed Leader: Clive Auton, BGS.
Saturday 18 August, 9 am
Dunbar to Belhaven Leader: Fiona McGibbon.
Saturday 1 September, 9 am
Tantallon Leaders: Tom Challands and David Millward, BGS.
Wednesday Evening Excursions
Wednesday 25 April, 7 pm
Ellen’s Glen
Leader: Al McGowan, Lothian & Borders GeoConservation
Wednesday 9 May, 7 pm
Bonaly Leader: Andrew McMillan, Lothian & Borders GeoConservation
Wednesday 23 May, 7 pm
Currie–Balerno Leader: Ken Shaw
Wednesday 6 June, 7 pm
Dalkeith Buildings Leader: Andrew McMillan, Lothian & Borders GeoConservation
Wednesday 20 June, 7 pm
Calton Hill Leader: Richard Smith, Lothian & Borders GeoConservation
Wednesday 27 June, 7pm
Aberlady shore Leaders: David McAdam and Fiona McGibbon
Introductory Excursions
Aimed at new EGS members but open to all.
Sunday 27 May, 10am
Arthur’s Seat Leaders: Angus Miller and EGS Council Members
Sunday 5 August, 10am
Midlothian Outdoor Festival 2018: Vogrie to Crichton Castle Leaders: Lothian and Borders GeoConservation
Saturday 8 September, 10am
Siccar Point Leaders: Angus Miller and EGS Council Members
EGS Residential Excursions
Each year, the Society organises two residential excursions: a week-long excursion in May, and a weekend excursion in the summer.
Long Excursion to Cornwall 12-19 May 2018
Professor Emeritus Peter Scott of the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter, and Dr Mike Styles of the British Geological Survey have kindly agreed to lead the Society’s Long Excursion to Cornwall in 2018. The excursion will take place from 12 to 19 May 2018, to fit in with the tides.
The Long Excursion is fully subscribed with a waiting list. Anyone wishing to be added to the list should get in touch with Anne Burgess, Long Excursion Organiser, longexcursion@edinburghgeolsoc.org.
Weekend Excursion: Lochaber Geopark 14–17 September 2018
Leader: Jim Blair. Lochaber Geopark has a stunning range of geology, and the weekend excursion will explore some of it in two half-day and two full-day excursions. On Friday afternoon we will visit the Ballachulish slate quarries and granite. Saturday will be spent at Strontian with an afternoon of Devonian sediments, Great Glen Fault intrusions, raised beach and the Ardgour dyke swarm. On Sunday we will visit Moine metamorphic rocks at Lochaline, and a range of sedimentary rocks from Permian to Jurassic. Monday morning will include Cuil Bay, Bailey’s ‘Tiger rock’, and the Kentallen shore. Transport will be by private car, participants will arrange their own accommodation in the Strontian area. For further information and booking, contact Alison Tymon.
Other Societies’ Geological Excursions
The Geological Society of Glasgow
EGS members are welcome to attend excursions organised by the Geological Society of Glasgow where spaces are available. Further excursion details from their web site. Members are reminded they are eligible to join the Glasgow Society as Associate Members.
Other UK Geological Societies
For details about geological excursions in your own area of the United Kingdom, contact your local geological society.
We have listed some of them here >>
(If your society is not on our list, let us know.)
Planning Geological Excursions?
You may find these online tools from the British GeologIcal Survey and Ordnance Survey are useful.
The Edinburgh Geological Society
The Edinburgh Geological Society is one of the UK’s foremost geological societies, whose aim is to promote public interest in geology and the advancement of geological knowledge. We are a friendly and informal organisation with a wide range of members of varied backgrounds and interests.
Charity registered in Scotland
No. SC 008011