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JAMES HUTTON’S TERCENTENARY
It’s a big birthday year for an Edinburgh-born scientific legend, and we might need to find more candles! June 3rd 2026 marks the 300th birthday of James Hutton: a key figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, Hutton is known as the ‘founding father of modern geology’.
In the late 1700s, Hutton presented evidence – including from Salisbury Crags right next to our centre – that the Earth was far older than anyone had thought before. Hutton’s revelation became known as ‘Deep-Time’. 2026 will see a packed programme of experiences to mark Hutton’s discoveries as part of Scotland-wide celebrations delivered by a whole host of organisations, including Dynamic Earth.
Join us in celebrating the extraordinary discoveries of Hutton throughout 2026:
• Discover more about James Hutton in our Scotland’s Time Lords gallery as part of your Science Centre experience.
• Join one of our Hutton Walks in Arthur’s Seat in partnership with the Edinburgh Geological Society this April.
• Meet scientists from the British Geological Survey at our Science Showcase Takeover on Wednesday April 15th.
• We’ll be celebrating the Scottish Geology Festival in partnership with the Scottish Geology Trust throughout June.
• Young explorers will discover Hutton through our Outdoor Holiday Clubs throughout July and October in Holyrood Park.
• Our Planetarium will mark Hutton’s Tercentenary with a special digital firework display during our stargazing live shows from May.
• Keep your eyes peeled for our Summer Edinburgh Festival Fringe offer – which will give adults the chance to toast Hutton in an out of this world experience.
• Our Dino’s Saturday Science Club will introduce Hutton to children and young people through rock detective workshops from September.
