Dynamic Earth has publicly launched a fundraising appeal to raise £80,000 in match funding required to deliver a transformative new permanent gallery dedicated to one of Edinburgh’s most treasured natural landmarks – Arthur’s Seat.
The new Gallery will be a free, fully accessible space exploring the volcanic origins, scientific significance and environmental future of Holyrood Park — one of Scotland’s most recognisable natural landmarks. The project has now secured the support of the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park collectively receive millions of visits each year. Yet relatively few are aware of the 300-million-year story beneath their feet, or of 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.
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 pivotal 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 designed to deepen understanding and inspire responsible enjoyment of Holyrood Park.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded a significant grant towards the project, recognising its cultural and environmental importance. However, the funding is conditional on Dynamic Earth raising a further £80,000. Reaching the fundraising target will release more than twice that amount in Heritage Fund support, with up to £173,846 available for the project.
The appeal was privately launched to a key group of influential stakeholders last month, and a number of generous donations have already been made to make this exciting project a reality.
The charity is now calling on supporters, businesses, philanthropists and the wider community to help reach that target and unlock the full investment.
Public support will be vital to open the new free Gallery. Members of the public are now invited to support the campaign with donations of £30, £50, £150 or £200, each contributing directly to the creation of new exhibits, immersive digital interpretation and educational content. Larger gifts will help unlock key elements of the project, including a newly commissioned film about the history of the site, and innovative hands-on exhibits designed to deepen engagement with Holyrood Park’s geology and biodiversity.
For those wishing to make a transformational contribution, Dynamic Earth has introduced three philanthropic tiers. Pathway Supporters (£500+) will be acknowledged within the Gallery and invited to an exclusive preview reception. Crags Supporters (£2,500+) will have opportunities to meet the expert team behind the project as plans develop. Summit Supporters (£7,500+) will play a pivotal role in enabling the Gallery’s full vision, with private pre-opening access and a celebratory dinner within the new space.
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, we can reach the summit together and ensure this new space remains free and accessible for all. We are also immensely appreciative of the generous donations we have received so far, which will help us reach our ambitious target.”
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 natural environment of the Park that makes it so special.
“Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund has awarded funding to this project 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. Alongside this, new digital resources will create accessible learning opportunities for those who are unable to reach the more rugged areas of the park”.
Located at the foot of Arthur’s Seat itself, Dynamic Earth was founded to tell the story of our planet. The new Gallery will deepen that connection, strengthening the charity’s role as a hub for environmental education while fostering a shared sense of stewardship for one of Scotland’s most treasured natural landmarks.
Donations can be made at: ARTHUR’S SEAT GALLERY | Dynamic Earth
