Exhibition: Rock Cycles

This exhibition explores geological time and the memory that landscape holds. 2026 marks 300 years since the birth of James Hutton (1726-1797), who was known as the 'father of modern geology'.

In 1788 he published the Theory of the Earth that proposed the idea of a rock cycle, in which weathered rocks form new sediments. At Glen Tilt in the Cairngorm Mountains, near to Loch Ness, he found granite penetrating metamorphic schists - this proved that granite was formed from the cooling of molten rock, of volcanic origin.

As a result of this observation, regarding geological timescales, Hutton famously remarked ‘that we find no vestige of a beginning, no prospect of an end.’

This exhibition features work by Annie Cattrell RSA and Calum Colvin OBE RSA and is part of the RSA Celebrating Together Programme.

About the Year of Topography

The Art Collection aims to make art and culture a part of everyday life for staff, students and visitors throughout the campus. We support academics to enable exchanges between art, research and teaching, and inspire everyone to engage with art. Each academic year, all of the Art Collection’s activities are directly inspired by one of the University research themes. We have designated the 2026-7 session The Year of Topography. All exhibitions and events will consider the arrangements of natural and artificial structures and how artists and researchers work to make sense of our changing landscapes.

Visiting us

Our exhibitions are on display in the central spine of the Pathfoot Building. The building is open to the public between Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm. Please be aware that the Pathfoot Building is a working teaching building, with students going to classes, academic conferences or private events happening concurrently with your visit. If you require a quiet visiting time, please get in touch with us and we will advise you on the best times for access.

At Pathfoot, there are food and beverage outlets in the Crush Hall and the Dining Room. See the University's catering website for more information.

Getting here

The Pathfoot Building is the first building on the left, up the hill as you enter the University. The University of Stirling’s campus is just two miles from the centre of Stirling in central Scotland. We're served by excellent fast public transport links from Glasgow and Edinburgh, and are easily accessible by bus, foot and bike from Stirling city centre or Bridge of Allan. Please be aware that during term time, parking can be extremely busy. See the University Getting Here page to plan your route.