Siccar Point & the Deep Time Trail  

Leader: Angus Miller

Siccar Point, described as the most important geological site in the world, sits at the eastern end of a superb coastal section with three sets of contrasting sedimentary rocks from three periods: Carboniferous, Devonian and Silurian. The angular unconformity between the Devonian and Silurian strata at Siccar Point was used by James Hutton to support his world-shaking ideas of geological time and natural processes, after he set out with friends to search for the junction: “What clearer evidence could we have had of the different formation of these rocks, and of the long interval which separated their formation, had we actually seen them emerging from the bosom of the deep? We felt ourselves necessarily carried back to the time …” (John Playfair).

In the year of the Tercentenary of Hutton’s birth, this excursion will follow the journey made by Hutton, John Playfair and James Hall along the coast on an easy footpath with good views of the coastal scenery created from these varied rocks, including a sheltered harbour, sandy bays and cliff sections. As we approach Siccar Point, we will join the new Deep Time Trail created by EGS this year to mark the Tercentenary and generously supported by GSG and other donors.

This is a joint trip with Geological Society of Glasgow. Please note the Edinburgh pick-up point is at Sheriffhall Park & Ride, Old Dalkeith Road EH22 1FF at 10am (please inform excursion secretary if required.)

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