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CELEBRATE JAMES HUTTON’S TERCENTENARY AT DYNAMIC EARTH
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’.
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’ – or to put it another way, you could call him the original rock star (a title we’re sure he would enjoy!).
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’. Dynamic Earth was built right next to Holyrood Park with this connectivity in mind.
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.
There’s more to explore at the Edinburgh Science Centre and planetarium this year. Join us in celebrating the extraordinary discoveries of Hutton throughout 2026 – discoveries that literally rocked the world:
• For us, Hutton is for life, not just the tercentenary. 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 is getting in on the action, and will mark Hutton’s Tercentenary with a special digital firework display above Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park 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.
Our Scotland’s Time Lords gallery experience explores Hutton’s theory of Deep Time and how human understanding of the Earth and how it works continues to evolve today.
Audiences can meet a time travelling Hutton himself as part of a visit to the Edinburgh Science centre.
Join us in celebrating and reintroducing Hutton to the world throughout 2026. Find out more about the James Hutton Tercentenary Campaign Group and full events programme.
