Unearthing the Story Behind Scotland’s Soils

Eight former soil surveyors returned to our Craigiebuckler campus on 9 September to share their experiences of travelling across Scotland to create the nation’s soil map.

Their visit marks an important milestone in our work to preserve Scotland’s soil heritage. Thanks to funding of £146,484 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are digitising historic soil maps and records while capturing something equally valuable: the knowledge, memories and stories of the people behind them.

From left to right: Colin Campbell (Chief Executive, The James Hutton Institute) with soil surveyors Colin Campbell, Gordon Hudson, Jim Gauld, John Bell, Allan Lilly, Willie Towers and David Miller. Photo: Liz Bassindale.

For decades, soil surveyors crossed Scotland’s hills, farms, forests and remote landscapes, collecting the information that would form the country’s soil map. While the maps themselves provide a rich scientific record, there is a wealth of insight that exists beyond the archive. By recording the surveyors’ first-hand experiences, we’re ensuring this vital “soft knowledge” is not lost.

The gathering provided an opportunity for former colleagues to reconnect and reflect on the challenges, discoveries and memorable moments that shaped their careers in the field. Their stories offer a unique perspective on the work that helped build one of Scotland’s most significant environmental resources.

Helen Bargmann (Critical Productions) and Matteo Bell (Media Officer, The James Hutton Institute) interviewing John, a former soil surveyor. Photo: Critical Productions.

We were also delighted to welcome Helen Bargmann and Joss Barker from Critical Productions, Satarla’s film production company, who generously supported the project by donating their time and filmmaking expertise in kind. They captured footage throughout the day and filmed interviews with the surveyors, helping us preserve these important stories for future generations. Satarla is a global risk management and sustainability consultancy that helps organisations turn sustainability ambitions into practical action.

These recordings will become part of the archive, preserving personal stories alongside the maps and data they helped create. They will also support future education and outreach activities, helping students, researchers and members of the publc explore not only Scotland’s soils, but the people and expertise behind their mapping.

A group of former soil surveyors looking through historic soil maps and archive materials during a visit to the Craigiebuckler campus.
Former soil surveyors revisit historic maps and records at Craigiebuckler as part of efforts to preserve the story behind Scotland’s soils. Photo: Liz Bassindale.