Scotland Organizations & Websites
Until the last few years, John Muir was little-known in Scotland -even in his birthplace in Dunbar, a small town near Edinburgh. But the influential The Scotsman newspaper reported on May 30, 2023, that Muir was the fourth in its list of the Most Influential Scots of All Time:
1. Robert Burns · 2. Sir Billy Connolly · 3. Charles Rennie Mackintosh · 4. John Muir.
See: The Most Influential Scots of All Time: 17 Scottish icons as voted by our Scotsman readers
Explore the life and legacy of John Muir by visiting the house in Dunbar, Scotland, where he was born – now a unique museum and the starting point of the John Muir Way. The exterior has been restored and now looks much as it would have done in 1838 – the year John Muir was born. Inside, you will find three floors of family friendly interactive displays where staff and volunteers will help you learn more about Muir’s boyhood in Scotland. The website is filled with useful and interesting resources.
Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace (founded in 1994 as “Dunbar’s John Muir Association” promotes the life and work of John Muir in Dunbar, Scotland and beyond. The Association successfully campaigned for the development of the Muir Birthplace site celebrating Muir’s vision and influence on world conservation. The group supports the work of the John Muir Birthplace by helping to fund its activities and in the preparation of resource material.
Taking their name and inspiration from John Muir, the John Muir Trust works to protect wild places throughout Scotland and the United Kingdom. Its mission is: To work with others to inspire people to get close to wild nature; speak up for the benefits of wildness; prevent the loss of wild places; manage wild places in a responsible and exemplary fashion; and repair and rewild what has been damaged in the past.
The John Muir Trust’s pre-eminent environmental education program, the “Award” program within the United Kingdom encourages people of all ages to undertake 5 challenges to to connect with, enjoy, and care for wild places.
A comprehensive website filled with resources about John Muir from a UK perspective, sponsored by the John Muir Trust in collaboration with the John Muir Birthplace. Includes a collection of educational resources including activities, games, films, art, programs, articles, photos, books, and events held in Scotland.
This 134 mile walking and bicycling path going from coast to coast across central Scotland encourages outdoor discovery, and promotes understanding
of John Muir’s legacy and philosophy by getting closer
to nature. With the John Muir Way activity guide, you can learn more about John Muir and native flora, fauna, and history in Scotland. The Guide is brimming with ideas and resources for citizen science, adventure, Curriculum for Excellence, volunteering, achievement awards and creative activities. With a John Muir Way Passport, you can have your passport stamped to mark your progress. When you’ve collected all ten stamps, you can claim your free completer certificate.
Scotland page located on the pre-eminent informational website about John Muir and his writings.