Tuesday January 27th 2026
Siccar Point, Berwickshire
Written by Local Democracy Reporter, Paul Kelly
A Berwickshire coastal landmark regarded by some as the world’s most important geological site is to undergo a tourism facelift – 300 years since the birth of the man who first recognised its significance.
James Hutton, father of modern geology, visited Siccar Point at Cockburnspath in 1788, an event which led to a profound change in the way the history of the earth was understood.
Hutton used the evidence from rock formations at Siccar Point to decode earth processes and to argue for a much greater length of geological time than was popularly accepted.
A concept of ‘deep time’ emerged with the recognition that the geological processes occurring around us today have operated over a long period and will continue to do so into the future.
The 300th anniversary of James Hutton’s birth falls in 2026. In recognition, the Edinburgh Geological Society is promoting improved information and interpretation at the existing Siccar Point Path, to be re-branded as the Siccar Point Deep Time Discovery Trail.
Plans for trail have been discussed with the Cockburnspath Community Council, and shared with members of the public at a community event in August 2025.
The project is being overseen by a working group that includes local representatives.
There is a local path to Siccar Point, established many years ago, running from the Berwickshire Coastal Path. Information panels were placed on the path in 2006 and the replacements installed in 2018 are now in declining condition.
As part of the plans Scottish Borders Council has approved the installation of sign posts, new seating and cycle racks at the existing path route.
New timber and steel signage, waymarkers and information panels will be installed and an arrival pillar is proposed at the start of the path, with three adjacent Sheffield bike stands.
At three points along the path, an inscribed stone will be set into the existing dyke, with a steel information panel and timber bench positioned adjacent.
At the Siccar Point viewpoint area, a 1.3 metre high viewpoint shelter feature will be added. This will be circular, constructed from stone, with a whin dust base. No foundations will be required.
Additionally, at the east viewpoint, a curved stone seat will be installed, with an adjacent information panel.
A report with the application states: “The application proposals provide sensitively designed upgrading of information and visitor comfort features at an existing recreational path route.
“They will enhance the visitor experience at Siccar Point, whilst ensuring any potential impacts are minimised.”
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