# Event Details - **Event Name**: The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop - **Event Start and End Date**: Sun, 13 Sep, 2026 at 02:00 pm – Sun, 13 Sep, 2026 at 03:30 pm (+01:00) - **Event Description**: Solving Scotland’s stalagmite mysteriesAbout this EventHidden within caves on the Inner Hebrides islands of Jura and Islay are beautiful stalagmites and stalactites. Everything we know about these islands suggests that these geological formations should not exist there. So why are they present, and how did they form?Solving this mystery is important. Stalagmites and stalactites act as natural archive; recordings of how landscapes and climate have changed over thousands of years. Understanding how they formed can reveal stories about Scotland’s environmental past.In this workshop, we will investigate this geological puzzle. Split into two parts, the workshop will begin by exploring the caves and their surrounding landscapes, gathering geological evidence and piecing together the clues needed to explain the origins of these remarkable formations. Along the way, we will find out how the islands’ geology has shaped the landscape we see today.In the second part, we will examine samples of these formations to learn how they grow and how scientists use them to reconstruct past environments. These natural archives preserve remarkable records of changes in climate, vegetation, and landscape through time, offering a unique window into Scotland’s environmental history.Important points to noteThis event is suitable for age 16+Event format: This event is a workshop and may involve some audience interaction. This could involve group activities, individual activities, quizzes or hands-on activities.Content warning: This workshop may show images of confined spaces, such as caves, which may be uncomfortable for anyone with claustrophobia.Filming: Photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/cd658d10-a613-11f1-8990-5d04d231a2dd-rimg-w1200-h203-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/cdad9290-a613-11f1-8990-5d04d231a2dd-rimg-w1200-h600-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg SPEAKERProfessor Martin R. LeeProfessor of Planetary Science, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of GlasgowMartin Lee is a professor of Planetary Science at the University of Glasgow. He obtained a degree and PhD in geology from the Universities of Leicester and Newcastle upon Tyne, respectively, then undertook research at the Universities of Essex and Edinburgh prior to joining Glasgow in 2000. He currently divides his time between studying rocks from the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, and rocks from Mars and asteroids that have fallen to Earth as meteorites. He studies these rocks by imaging their constituent minerals using high magnification microscopes. The common theme of his research is using water to understand the evolution of worlds - from water flowing through asteroids shortly after the during the birth of the Solar System 4500 million years ago, to water flowing through the crust of Mars 700 million years ago, and water dripping into caves of the Inner Hebrides over the last 2500 years. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events1/banners/cde76740-a613-11f1-8990-5d04d231a2dd-rimg-w1200-h600-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg SPEAKERProfessor Cristina PersanoProfessor of Geosciences, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of GlasgowCristina is professor of Geosciences at the University of Glasgow. She graduated in Earth Sciences at the University of Genova (Italy) and she was awarded a PhD at the University of Glasgow, where she has been working since. Cristina is a quantitative geomorphology; she uses state of the art techniques to quantify rates and time of changes in the landscape at a series of temporal scales, from millennia to hundreds of millions of years. The common theme of her research is the using the landscape as a record of geological events, from the puzzling caves of the Scottish Inner Hebrides, to the elevations of the Tibetan Plateau. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events6/banners/cdf040e0-a613-11f1-8990-5d04d231a2dd-rimg-w1200-h203-dc582878-gmir.jpg About the Curious festivalThe RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.You can check out the full programme of events here. https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events10/banners/cdfaa120-a613-11f1-8990-5d04d231a2dd-rimg-w1200-h203-dcf8f8f8-gmir.jpg AccessibilityWe aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is available via 26 George Street through Lakeland. Upon arrival, please call 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will meet you and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).Main lift: The lift’s door has a width of 79cm and a depth of 143cm. Please note, that access to the lift is limited by a narrow 77cm width corridor. You can find further details and images of the lift on our website.Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.Privacy PolicyPlease note that any personal data that is submitted to the RSE will be stored and processed in accordance with the RSE’s Privacy Policy. We will only use mobile numbers provided to contact you in the event of a cancellation.NewsletterIf you would like to receive information from the RSE on upcoming events and activities, you can subscribe to our newsletter here.Please visit the RSE FAQs page for further details about venue and events. - **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/edinburgh/the-slowest-storytellers-in-scotland-decoding-stalagmite-secrets-workshop/100001993751043040 - **Event Categories**: workshops, science-fair, festivals, exhibitions, art, contests - **Interested Audience**: - total_interested_count: 0 - **Event Highlights**: - Age Limit: 16+ - door_time: 2026-09-13T12:30:00Z - Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes - Location: The Royal Society Of Edinburgh - Languages: English ## Ticket Details - **Ticket Price Range**: min: 0, max: 0, currency: GBP ## Event venue details - **city**: Edinburgh - **state**: SC - **country**: United Kingdom - **location**: The Royal Society Of Edinburgh - **lat**: 55.95348130000001 - **long**: -3.1965827999999874 - **full address**: The Royal Society Of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom ## Event gallery - **Alt text**: The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events8/banners/76be431d739c367872d85911073e8e82fb67018177db221301ccd0c476b8fa98-rimg-w1200-h600-dc306090-gmir.jpg?v=1784588655 ## FAQs - **Q**: When and where is The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop being held? - **A:** The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop takes place on Sun, 13 Sep, 2026 at 02:00 pm to Sun, 13 Sep, 2026 at 03:30 pm at The Royal Society Of Edinburgh, 22-26 George Street, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. - **Q**: Is there an age restriction for The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop? - **A:** The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop is strictly for guests aged 16 and above. Valid government-issued photo ID is required for entry. Guests under 16 will not be admitted. The event will be presented in English. - **Q**: Who is organizing The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop? - **A:** The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop is organized by The Royal Society of Edinburgh. - **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me? - **A:** The slowest storytellers in Scotland: Decoding stalagmite secrets |Workshop is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Edinburgh, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. 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