For its size, Scotland has the most varied geology and natural landscapes of any country on the planet. Colliding continents, erupting volcanoes and moving ice sheets all helped to shape this diversity in the distant geological past.
Scotland passed through all of the Earth’s climatic zones en route to its current latitude. As a result, the landmass that we call home once carried an ever-changing cargo of plants and animals, many of which are now extinct – at least in Scotland.
Read in this booklet the incredible story of a landscape fashioned by geology.
Pages: 63
Published: 1999
Reprint: 2010
Document downloads
Disclaimer: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has changed its name to NatureScot as of the 24th August 2020.
At the time of publishing, this document may still refer to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and include the original branding. It may also contain broken links to the old domain.
If you have any issues accessing this document please contact us via our feedback form.