Dynamic Earth CEO Gwilym Gibbons and National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, Caroline Clark, celebrate the start of construction on the new gallery
Dynamic Earth today announces that building work is officially underway on an innovative new permanent gallery dedicated to Edinburgh’s most treasured natural landmark, Arthur’s Seat. Construction begins as the charity celebrates meeting its £80,000 public fundraising target this month, which will be matched by £173,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, bringing the total to over £250,000.
To mark the milestone, Caroline Clark, the Heritage Lottery’s Director for Scotland, visited Dynamic Earth on Friday 2 October for an exclusive update and preview of the gallery’s development. The visit offered an in-depth view of the project as it transitions from capital fundraising into active construction.
The Arthur’s Seat Gallery will be a free, fully accessible space exploring the volcanic origins, scientific significance and environmental future of Holyrood Park and Arthur’s Seat. Combined, the landmarks receive millions of visits each year. However, relatively few people know the 300-million-year story beneath their feet, or the growing pressures facing the site, from erosion and biodiversity loss, to wildfire risk and climate change. Dynamic Earth’s new gallery aims to change that, and educate locals and tourists alike on the area’s fascinating history.
Located at the foot of the extinct volcano itself, Dynamic Earth was founded to tell the story of our planet. Arthur’s Seat played a key role in the development of modern geology, shaping scientific understanding of deep time and Earth processes. The new Gallery will bring that story vividly to life, combining immersive film, interactive interpretation and hands-on experiences intended to deepen understanding and inspire responsible enjoyment of Holyrood Park.
Dynamic Earth’s fundraising appeal, which launched in January, received a wave of generous donations from a range of organisations and individuals. This support has been vital in making sure the new free Gallery can open, with donations of all sizes contributing directly to the creation of new exhibits, immersive digital interpretation, and educational content.
Helen Chomczuk, Fundraising and Marketing Director at Dynamic Earth, said: “Arthur’s Seat is woven into Edinburgh’s identity. It is a place of global scientific importance and deep personal meaning for so many people. This Gallery will help visitors understand not only how this extraordinary landscape was formed, but why it needs our care now more than ever.
“We are incredibly grateful to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for recognising the significance of this project. With the community’s support since we launched the appeal in March, we have reached the summit together. Seeing the building works officially get underway is a fantastic milestone, and we are immensely appreciative of all the generous donations that have helped make this possible.”
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park is an incredible geological landscape to have right at the heart of Edinburgh. This project will deliver new opportunities for local communities and visitors to learn more about the geology and heritage and ecology that makes the Park so special.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund has awarded funding to this project, which will create inclusive, accessible ways to engage with one of Scotland’s most significant areas of natural heritage. Support from players will enable Dynamic Earth to deliver an outdoor learning programme and interactive experiences in the park, developed with community organisations and designed to ensure they reach more people of all ages.
The new gallery will deepen Dynamic Earth’s connection to its surroundings, strengthening the charity’s function as a hub for environmental education while fostering a communal sense of stewardship for one of Scotland’s most treasured natural landmarks.
Further information on the project can be found at: ARTHUR’S SEAT GALLERY | Dynamic Earth
