The section of the Firth of Forth shoreline near to Hopetoun House displays a variety of sedimentary layers and igneous boulders. We will explore how the chemical and geological variety influences the types of plants and mosses that grow here.

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Excursion title: Hopetoun Shore – joint excursion with Botanical Society of Scotland
Date & time: Wednesday 8 May 2019, 7pm Finish time: 9 pm
Leaders: Angus Miller Lothian and Borders GeoConservation and David Chamberlain Botanical Society of Scotland
Excursion aims and description: The section of the Firth of Forth shoreline near to Hopetoun House displays a variety of sedimentary layers and igneous boulders. We will explore how the chemical and geological variety influences the types of plants and mosses that grow here.
Transport: public transport / cars
Meeting point: Car park at Dalmeny Train Station; we will car share to to a small, informal shoreline car park at Society Point, near to the entrance to Hopetoun House NT101 790.
Excursion route: Walking west along the beach towards Abercorn Point; return by same route.
Terrain, walking distance, height gain: Flat, 3km on rocky / sandy beach.
Specific or Medium- / High-Risk Hazards: None – falling tide, no risk of being cut off.
Control measures required to mitigate against any Hazards referred to above: None
Hard hats or Hi-viz clothing needed: No
May dogs be brought on the excursion? Yes
Toilet information: In South Queensferry
Geological map sheet: 31W Livingston
OS map sheet: Explorer 350 Edinburgh
References: LBGC leaflet – Hopetoun Foreshore, available from https://www.edinburghgeolsoc.org/publications/geoconservation-leaflets/

Barron, H F, Browne, M A E, And Finlayson, A. 2005. West Lothian Geodiversity. British Geological Survey Commissioned Report, CR/06/008N8N. Available from  https://www.westlothian.gov.uk/article/6896/Geodiversity-in-West-Lothian