New 'gateway' to Edinburgh's landmark hill Arthur's Seat planned for Dynamic Earth science centre in Holyrood Park

A ground-breaking science centre dedicated to the story of planet Earth could become a new ‘gateway’ for visitors to one of the most ancient and iconic landmarks in Scotland’s capital.

Dynamic Earth, housed in a unique tent-style building on the edge of Edinburgh’s historical Holyrood Park, is working on plans to create a new hub for people setting out to explore Arthur’s Seat and enjoy its unrivalled views across the city.

The charity-run venue, which opened in 1999, hosts an ever-changing programme of immersive, interactive exhibitions and films that guide visitors through millions of years of the earth’s history, from the Big Bang to the present day.

It also runs special educational programmes and outreach work, taking science on the road around Scotland.

The new Arthur’s Seat hub will bring an extra attraction to Dynamic Earth, which already welcomes around 250,000 people each year, and provide important information and services for those venturing up the 251m-high extinct volcano.

It will operate in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, whose rangers offer guided tours around Holyrood Park and the city’s most famous hill.

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The move is just one part of Dynamic Earth’s new ten-year strategy, which has overarching aims to deliver outstanding science engagement, reach more people in more ways, enhance and transform the science centre, and achieve environmental and financial stability.

Dynamic Earth's Planetarium has a state-of-the-art 360° screen, allowing visitors to completely immerse themselves in a range of films - including Don't Panic, the centre's flagship feature about climate change

And the team has already started the ball rolling, with a number of green improvements.

These include installation of a giant fan in the domed canvas roof to improve efficiency of heating and cooling and low-energy lighting throughout the premises. Other measures include a thematic shift to focus increasingly on climate change and the ecological crises the planet is facing as a result of human actions.

According to bosses, Dynamic Earth – now approaching its 25th anniversary – has never been more relevant. They believe it has an important role to play in helping people understand the consequences of global warming and the need for urgent action to tackle it.

However, they stress the messages are not all doom and gloom. The aim is to inform, but also to instil hope and encourage efforts to save the world, with lots on offer for visitors of all ages, including free exhibitions and activities.

Dynamic Earth's scientific director Dr Hermione Cockburn and chief executive Mark Bishop pose beneath the centre's giant Gaia art installation, which is proving a popular background for selfies by visitors

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Mark Bishop has recently taken over as chief executive of Dynamic Earth.

“As temperatures rise, time is ticking,” he said. “Our ambition is to help people understand what is happening to the planet and what role we can each play to make a difference. By increasing understanding and getting people on side with empathy, we aim to take the next chapter forward in a positive way.

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Dynamic Earth science centre, situated in the shadow of Arthur's Seat and Salisbury Crags, could become a new 'gateway' for visitors exploring Edinburgh's famous volcanic landmark

“You don’t want to rob somebody aged ten of their hope and happiness and ability to dream and think of the world and its wonders. But equally you don’t want them to grow up ignorant of the things that are happening that one day may mean it’s too late to do anything about.”

Dr Hermione Cockburn, scientific director for the centre, added: “What we’re trying to create is a space where people, regardless of how they feel about the planetary crisis, can come and find out about it. We are about inspiring, about meaningful, fun experiences.”

“We’re very keen to enable people to see positive action, to see how small things they can do can contribute. The mission we have is about understanding and empathy, but ultimately we want that to lead towards a collective responsibility and advocacy.”

Mr Bishop added: “Often what we find when people have been through the galleries or the planetarium is a degree of enhanced hope. And that’s got to be a good thing.”