£72,500 boost to enhance world-renowned geological site in Cockburnspath
The Edinburgh Geological Society has been awarded £72,500 from the Co'path & Cove Community Fund to contribute towards improving access to Siccar Point, one of the most significant locations in the history of science. The project has now received planning permission from Scottish Borders Council.
It was at Siccar Point that James Hutton predicted and discovered an important geological junction in 1788, verifying his Theory of the Earth and Deep Time. His groundbreaking discovery fundamentally changed scientists' understanding of geological processes, revealing that the Earth was millions of years old rather than the thousands previously believed. The rock formation at Siccar Point, where near-vertical layers of grey sandstone (around 435 million years old) meet overlying horizontal layers of red sandstone (around 370 million years old), provided physical evidence that vast periods of time had elapsed between the formation of different rock layers.
The Deep Time Trail aims to make this historic site more accessible to both local and international visitors while preserving its natural character, allowing people to experience firsthand the location where modern geology was born and to appreciate the concept of "deep time" that continues to shape our understanding of Earth's history today.
The funding from the Co'path & Cove Community Fund will support the Deep Time Trail project to enhance the existing 1.3-kilometre walking route to Siccar Point, add interpretation boards, signposts, benches, and a new stone shelter structure at the viewpoint above the rocks, promoting the site's global geological significance and boosting local engagement and tourism.
The project is timed to celebrate the tercentenary of James Hutton's birth on 3 June, with a celebration weekend planned for 30-31 May in Cockburnspath, which will include the laying of a time capsule and ongoing involvement and support from the Cockburnspath Primary School and local groups.
The project is expected to draw an estimated 2,000–5,000 visitors per year, including local residents, walkers diverting from the Southern Upland Way and Berwickshire Coastal Path, and international visitors who recognise James Hutton's contributions and wish to experience this site of global geological importance.
Angus Miller, Promotion Coordinator for the Edinburgh Geological Society said:
We are delighted to receive this generous funding from the Cockburnspath & Cove Community Fund, which, combined with a successful Crowdfunder, means we can complete the Deep Time Trail and bring Siccar Point's extraordinary story to life for visitors from across Scotland and around the world.
The Deep Time Trail project represents a significant milestone in making one of geology's most important historic sites accessible to a wider audience. With the £72,500 of funding from the Cockburnspath & Cove Fund and planning approval granted, this initiative will transform how visitors experience Siccar Point—the birthplace of modern geology.
Suzie Fletcher, Co-Chair, Cockburnspath & Cove Community Council said:
We are pleased that the Cockburnspath & Cove Community Fund has been able to support this exceptional project. Siccar Point is not just a site of global geological importance—it's an amazing part of our local heritage, which will now be well and truly on the map. The Deep Time Trail will allow more people to discover the remarkable story of James Hutton's discovery right here in our community, while the enhanced access and facilities will benefit both residents and the many visitors who travel to experience this historic location. This project perfectly demonstrates how preserving and celebrating our natural and scientific heritage can bring lasting benefits to our local area.
The Co’path & Cove Community Fund is a vehicle through which six different wind farm funds are administered. Funding for the Siccar Point project was supported by the following three: Foresight Kinegar, Penmanshiel and The Fishermen Three.
Read more about the Co’path & Cove Community Fund