Community / New society formed to appreciate Shetland’s ’extraordinary’ geology
A NEWLY formed Shetland Geological Society will have its inaugural meeting next week in the Scalloway Museum.
The new group aims to support the understanding and enjoyment of geology and other earth sciences through lectures, field trips, events, and the dissemination of information and publications.
The news of the formation of the group coincides with the publication of a remarkable series of letters in Shetland News last week, in which individual members of the new group accused Shetland Amenity Trust of allowing the isles’ UNESCO Global Geopark designation go into a steady decline.
(All four letters published on 27 July can be found here).
A meeting to discuss the issues raised has been offered by trust chair Alison Moncrieff, but so far nothing has been arranged.
One of the driving forces behind the project, the amenity trust’s former geology project officer Robina Barton, said the formation of a local society was a direct reaction to the positive responses to geological activities run ‘ad hoc’ over the past year.
These included adult learning classes, family events and geological tours, she said.
Other founding members are Allen Fraser, Jim Henderson and Stephen Malcolm.
The new venture is supported by the Scottish Geology Trust, the national body that seeks to inspire understanding and care for Scotland’s geological heritage.
Its chair Professor Bob Holdsworth said: “Shetland’s geology is really extraordinary, and we are delighted to support the formation of Shetland Geological Society.
“We look forward to partnership working in future, beginning with a programme of events for the Scottish Geology Festival in September.”
Anyone interested to hear more about the background to the new development, establish a membership and help to shape the future direction of the society is invited to attend the society’s inaugural meeting at 7.30pm on 11 August at the Scalloway Museum.
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