Field Trip 3 From Bedrock to Barrel Geological Field Trip to the Ben Rinnes Granite & Geothermal Applications in Scotland’s Whisky industry
Field Trip 3
Field Trip 3
Date
Sunday 7 June 2026
Description
Dive into the heart of Scotland’s Whisky country where cutting-edge engineered geothermal systems are being conceived to tap into the power of the Earth itself. This exclusive field visit explores how geothermal energy could reshape the future of the Scottish Whisky industry, energy, and environmental responsibility.
This trip would include a hike up Ben Rinnes (840 m elevation) to discuss Cairngorm granite suite and examine distinctive granite outcrops to discuss geothermal development (e.g., discussion of heat flow properties in granite systems, fracture characterisation and assessment of permeability characteristics relevant to geothermal potential). It would continue into a tour of one of the many Speyside distilleries with a whisky tasting and dedicated session on thermal energy requirements for distillation and potential for geothermal integration.
Excursion Sites:
1. Ben Rinnes Granite Exposures Fieldwork Geological Sites:
Summit Granite Tors (Scurran of Lochterlandoch)
2. Distillery Tour with Geothermal Seminar
Topics include:
Harnessing geothermal heat for sustainable distilling:
– Thermal energy requirements for mashing, distillation, and warehousing
– Geothermal applications for industrial processes
– Direct use geothermal vs. ground source heat pumps
– Economic and environmental case for renewable heating
– Ben Rinnes Excursion: for field geology skills necessary to build a geological model fit for geothermal.
– Distillery Tour: Explore high-tech sustainable whisky production at industrial scale.
Witness how deep-earth heat fuels renewable industry and join thediscussion on how to balance innovation with geological responsibility.
Hike
Well-worn hill path; straightforward hillwalk in good summer conditions starting from Ben Rinnes car park to the top of Ben Rinnes.
Distance: 7.5 km / 4.75 miles
Time: 3-4 hours
Ascent: 541 m
Field Trip Leaders
Dr. Michael Schiltz (Geothermal Geologist – TownRock Energy)
Sally Jack (Geothermal Hydrogeologist – TownRock Energy)
Michael van Mourik (Senior Hydrologist – TownRock Energy)
Health and Safety
Terrain
Uneven, rocky ground with steep sections
Control: Sturdy footwear mandatory (walking boots with ankle support)
Pitched stone steps near summit – follow zig-zag path, do not shortcut.
A fieldwork equipment requirement can be provided ahead of time, so participants are appropriately prepared for outdoor conditions.
Weather
Rapidly changing conditions at altitude; summit can be very windy.
Control: wear appropriate clothing including multiple clothing layers, waterproof jacket mandatory. Weather forecast monitoring 48 hours prior.
Equipment Requirements
Participants Must Bring:
– Walking boots with good ankle support and grip
– Waterproof jacket and trousers (Gore-Tex or equivalent)
– Multiple clothing layers (fleece/midlayer)
– Warm hat and gloves
– Rucksack (25-30L recommended)
– Water bottle (minimum 1L)
– Packed snacks/energy food
– Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
– Notebook and pen for field notes
– Camera/smartphone for photos
Optional Personal Equipment:
– Hand lens (10× magnification)
– Personal geological hammer
– Compass
– GPS device/smartphone with mapping app
Schedule
All time in CEST
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | Departure from Aberdeen (P&J Live) |
| 09:45 | Ben Rinnes Granite Exposures Fieldwork |
| 12:15 | Descent & Travel to Dufftown |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:15 | Distillery Tour with Geothermal Focus |
| 16:00 - 17:30 | Return journey to Aberdeen |
Meeting Point
Depart from the conference venue at P&J Live.
Kindly remember to:
- Bring your delegate badge.
- Be at the meeting point at least 20 mins before departure.
