Step into science at Hugh Miller’s Birthplace

Hugh Miller was one of the great Scots of the 19th century and a pioneer in citizen science. His discoveries in natural history have helped us better understand the formations and events that shaped our planet and the organisms living on it. Over 220 years after his birth, we’re proud to carry on his passion for science and inspire a new generation of budding scientists.

Join the team at Hugh Miller’s Birthplace Cottage and Museum for a Fossil Walk, taking place on Fridays and Saturdays from the beginning of April until the end of August (tide dependent) and embark on an exciting adventure back in time to discover the ancient creatures that once roamed Scotland. Guided by the museum’s ’fossil expert’, you’ll search for fossils along Cromarty beach, where Hugh Miller unearthed his renowned finds. These fossils from Cromarty are not only rare but also date back over 385 million years, predating the dinosaurs by over 140 million years! Every discovery is meticulously recorded before being returned to the beach for others to discover. Every participating child will receive a certificate recognising them as an official fossil hunter.

If you’re more keen on observing living creatures in Cromarty rather than those that are extinct, the Cromarty’s Coastal Critters walking tour is just for you. Taking place on Wednesdays during July and August, this tour invites you to explore the vibrant life around the Cromarty Firth, from tiny barnacles to lively seagulls. Join the team at Hugh Miller’s on the sandy beach for a fun seashell hunt, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of bottlenose dolphins! Staying true to our passion for science, every Cromarty’s Coastal Critters walk concludes with a Whale and Dolphin Conservation Shorewatch survey to search for dolphins and other marine mammals, with all sightings recorded to enhance our understanding of population trends across Scotland.