GeoConservation Leaflets
You can download PDF versions of these leaflets for free from the links below, or by opening the interactive map on the right. The leaflets are handy to have for reference on your phone or tablet when you are visiting the sites. Where printed versions are available, you can order these within the UK for a nominal charge to cover postage.
Edinburgh’s Local Geodiversity Sites
Free Download (2.84 MB)Around Castle Rock
Free Download (763 kB)Edinburgh Castle Rock developed as part of a volcano hundreds of millions of years before human occupation. Today it provides a spectacular backdrop to the centre of the City of Edinburgh. This booklet describes the geological processes which created the landscape of the city centre and a selection of stone-constructed buildings and monuments which form part of the city’s built heritage.
Blackford Hill
Free Download (374 KB)Blackford Hill is one of Edinburgh’s Seven Hills. It is a Local Nature Reserve, the site of the Royal Observatory and a great vantage point. The geology walk described in this leaflet follows a circular route around Blackford Hill, through the Hermitage of Braid and to the summit of the hill, taking in important geological sites including Agassiz Rock.
Bathgate Hills
Free Download (843 KB)The Bathgate Hills are rich in geological and cultural history, situated between the towns of Bathgate and Linlithgow. Over the millennia, the region has been home to many communities of people as far back as Neolithic times. Many of the nearby towns were once mining communities who exploited the opportunity provided by the area’s rich geological history. Published by West Lothian Council.
Cramond - Geological History
Free Download (509 KB)Cramond village is located near the mouth of the River Almond in northwest Edinburgh. The village is well known for its rich history dating back to prehistoric times. Less well known is Cramond’s geological history which has shaped the landscape we see today. Written by Lisa Randall, as an outreach project while a student in the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh.
East Kirkton Quarry
Free Download (582 KB)Esk Valley
Free Download (550 KB)This leaflet introduces the story of coal and volcanoes, the varied rocks exposed along the River Esk and how the bedrock has been modified by ice and meltwater. Written by Nicola Coffin, as an outreach project while a student in the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh.
Order a printed copy for £1 p&p
See also Cycling around the geology and geomorphology of Midlothian prepared by Dr Mikaël Attal, School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh
Hopetoun Foreshore
Free Download (560 kB)Hopetoun Foreshore. This walk from Society Point to Abercorn Point explores
two very different stories: the original formation of the rocks during the Carboniferous Period and changes that have happened during the current Quaternary Ice Age. Written by Tom FitzPatrick, as an outreach project while a student in the School of GeoSciences, University of Edinburgh. Published by West Lothian Council.James Hutton
Free Download (2.4 MB)James Hutton, a man ahead of his time. James Hutton’s life (1726-1797) spanned the period of the Scottish Enlightenment and he made a considerable contribution to our understanding of Earth processes and of the immensity of ‘deep time’. Explore sites in and around Edinburgh associated with Hutton and his legacy.
- Vogrie Country ParkGeology walks at Vogrie Country Park:
Geology Walk 1 (D’Arcy circular walk) | Geology Walk 2 (Crichton circular walk)
Callander Geodiversity Trail
Free Download (1.54 MB)Callander Geodiversity Trail – Stories in the Landscape, produced by Callander’s Countryside, an associated organisation of Callander Community Development Trust.