Paleobiologist, geologist, natural historian. Summer Mountain Leader. DofE Exped supervisor & assessor. Tweets by @McGowanAlistair and @GingerRatbag

Joined May 2014
226 Photos and videos
Pinned Tweet
Hills of Hame: ready to go outdoors if you are hillsofhame.com/2020/07/26/h… via @hillsofhame

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Al_McGowan retweeted
Reduced price for Open Gold Canoe #dofe expeditions this summer. £200 per person. Practice expedition on 7-10 July 2025; and, Qualifying expedition on 7-10 August 2025. See weblink below for more info: aspenoutdoors.co.uk/paddlesp…

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How could we allow this to happen?
#NOAA will be decommissioning/ retiring a list of datasets. Download what you need before the decommissioning date. 👉 nesdis.noaa.gov/about/docume…
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Congratulations to Arran Geopark on being awarded 🗻 UNESCO Global Geopark 🏔️ status! It’s fab to see Arran being recognised for its unique geological heritage, rich biodiversity, and commitment to protecting their natural heritage.
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Fabulous news! As many of my colleagues know (and are probably tired of), I am always spreading the gospel of Arran's geology.
Congratulations to Arran Geopark on being awarded 🗻 UNESCO Global Geopark 🏔️ status! It’s fab to see Arran being recognised for its unique geological heritage, rich biodiversity, and commitment to protecting their natural heritage.
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Well... did you guess this week's Edinburgh Tourism Timeline milestone? Answer = The CowParade, 2006 🐄 Find out more 👇 etag.org.uk/etag25/milestone…
Edinburgh Tourism Timeline 🕰️ As part of our #ETAGis25in25 campaign, every two weeks we will be revealing a new annual tourism milestone from the last 25 years. Can you guess the next milestone event? Extra points if you can guess the year! Clue = see image #Tourism #Edinburgh
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The Isle of Arran has officially been announced as a UNESCO Global Geopark! 🎉 UNESCO’s Global Geoparks are areas with internationally important landscapes & bring together other aspects of heritage such as archaeology, history, culture and biodiversity. bgs.ac.uk/news/isle-of-arran…
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Forever Edinburgh launch the new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide, created with @EuansGuide. The guide is designed to help disabled visitors enjoy everything the city has to offer. @edinburgh #AccessibleTourism #InclusiveTravel
10 Apr 2025
We’re proud to launch the new Edinburgh: Accessible Highlights Guide, created with @EuansGuide to help everyone enjoy the best of our city. From festivals and food to museums, green spaces and places to stay, it’s packed with accessible highlights across all 11 neighbourhoods — plus practical tips to make exploring easier. Take a look and share your feedback at edinburgh.org/AccessibleHigh… #AccessibleEdinburgh #ForeverEdinburgh #InclusiveTravel @VisitScotland @AccessAbleUK @ETAG_UK @Edinburgh_CC
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10 Apr 2025
Seafield will likely change a lot over coming years, transforming into a residential area. We need new homes but developmt must work as a whole & benefit existing communities. Just under 3 weeks to have your say on draft plan: consultationhub.edinburgh.go…
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IT'S BACK and entries are open! Starting next Wednesday.....Sprintelope #1 of 2025! Weekly Urban Orienteering - Long & Short courses each week All welcome! All you need to know for race 1 and the link to sign up is here esoc.org.uk/events/astley-ai…
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Borrowed an Urban Arrow cargo bike from #Porty Cargo bike library today to improve my skills on this type of bike. @SpokesLothian @Sustrans
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Info on the hybrid symposium "Approaches to Mass Extinctions": If you want to participate online and ask questions through Microsoft Teams, please register by sending e-mail (up to the March 31st)  to the pro.daina18@gmail.com with the title "Approaches to Mass Extinctions".
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STONEBUILT Ireland geologists release new book for walkers interested in Dublin’s built heritage. The Decorative and Building Stones of Dublin: a walking guide, ISBN 978-0-9521066-9-2, is on sale for €20 and is available from the Trinity Library Shop. tcd.ie/news_events/top-stori…
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27 Mar 2025
Off out in my old Landy checking on trail cams & badger setts but as darkness falls the roles are reversed as the badgers visit me.
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A new piece of public art by Svetlana Kondakova Muir has been unveiled in Granton's Gasholder 1 public park. The design portrays one of the Firth of Forth's most special visitors - the humpback whale 🐋 Find out more: edinburgh.gov.uk/news/articl…
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Partial Solar Eclipse at Glastonbury Tor now.
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I’ve done my 120 miles for @DofE fundraising with Obi the dog. Donations most welcome. events.dofe.org/s/1958/11812…
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What’s Scottish, white, and gritty?....Scottish White Gritty Ware, a ceramic ‘fabric’! AOC excavated two 14th - 15th century #kilns that produced this pottery type in 2020 at Roslin, #Midlothian. Read the story of the excavation, explore (or view on VR!) our 3D model, and more here: tinyurl.com/roslin23 With thanks to funders @BarrattHomes, @CALAHOMES, and University Court of @EdinburghUni
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Hello Everyone, I am taking part in the @DofE challenge this month. Loads of micro adventures to come! events.dofe.org/s/1958/11812…

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