Edinburgh Geological Society

Throughout its 170-year history, the Society has seen major changes in geological thinking, from Darwin's theories of evolution to the modern ideas on plate tectonics.

The Society was founded in 1834 by eleven students from the department of Geology and Mineralogy of Queen's College, Edinburgh.

They met in Robertson's Tavern, Milne's Close, Edinburgh and resolved to start a geological society 'for discussion and mutual instruction'.

At their first scientific meeting, they argued about the volcanic origin of Arthur's Seat in the heart of Edinburgh.

From April to October the Society organises a number of excursions to sites of geological interest.