Celebrating Hugh Miller’s 222nd birthday

Stonemason, geologist, writer and social justice campaigner, Hugh Miller was born in a thatched cottage in Cromarty in the early 19th century. From humble beginnings, he became one of Victorian Britain’s greatest minds and a leading voice for the Scottish people.

Thursday 10 October marks Hugh Miller’s birthday, and the team will lead one of our popular Fossil Walks in his memory, giving participants the opportunity to take part in citizen science and look for fossils on the same beach that Miller walked over 200 years ago.

Since they began in late June, Hugh Miller’s Fossil Walks have already seen nearly 100 participants discover over 120 new fossil specimens. These fossils are displayed at the museum for a month after their discovery, before being returned to the beach. Photographs, measurements and location data are taken for each specimen and sent to palaeontologists from the University of Aberdeen, who are currently studying the fossil fish around Cromarty.

In addition to a Fossil Walk on his birthday, the team at Hugh Miller’s will also be holding a Big Birthday Weekend on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 October. This family-themed event will include children’s arts and crafts activities, science experiments and demonstrations, fossil walks, and the opportunity to view the Dingwall exhibition.

James Ryan, Visitor Services Assistant at Hugh Miller’s and leader of the Fossil Walks, said: ‘Our Fossil Walks have been a brilliant success, and we have been proud to allow people to take part in active citizen science. We couldn’t think of a better way to mark this celebration than to lead a walk on his 222nd birthday.

‘We last celebrated Hugh Miller’s birthday in 2022 for his 220th birthday. This event was a big success, and the team hope to introduce more people to Hugh Miller’s life and legacy this year.’

All activities for Hugh Miller’s Big Birthday Weekend are included with entry to the museum and cottage (exceptions apply to the Fossil Walks, which require pre-booked tickets).

Find out more about the birthday events and the Fossil Walks

Events like Hugh Miller’s Big Birthday Weekend support the National Trust for Scotland’s vision to care for, share and protect Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, as outlined in our strategy launched in 2022, and contributes to our engagement objectives to provide access and enjoyment for everyone.