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Landforms and geology

Discover what Scotland’s geodiversity reveals and why it’s such a valuable resource. Pressures put our geodiversity at risk – find out how to protect it.

In this section

Scotland's rocks, landforms and soils

Colliding continents, ancient volcanoes, powerful glaciers and changing climates shaped our world-famous landscapes. Scotland’s geodiversity reveals how.
Importance of geodiversity

Looking after our geodiversity is vital to conserving Scotland's landscapes and nature and will protect many economic, social and environmental benefits.
Pressures on geodiversity

Scotland's geodiversity is irreplaceable and vulnerable to certain activities and changes in land use. Unearth the issues at stake.
Protecting our geodiversity

Some of Scotland's geodiversity is safeguarded in protected areas, and we also promote ways to conserve, enhance and manage geodiversity beyond designated sites.

Find out more

Uncover secrets, discover varied landscapes and travel through historic geology with our Landscape fashioned by geology publication series

News

New funding to remove barriers and improve access for some of Scotland's best-loved paths.

News - 22 January

Beautiful to look at, but have you ever wondered why lochs freeze from the top down?

Blog - 22 January

Tackling raptor persecution, poaching and hare coursing will be top priorities covering all of Scotland.

News - 15 January

Shedding light on 'darkness' in the landscape. January's dual-language blog (Gaelic/English).

Blog - 21 January

Read the latest official statistics published today showing woodland birds appear to have recovered from a short-term decline.

News - 14 January

Join Freshwater and Wetlands Advice Manager Iain Sime on Dark Lochnagar to learn about our work on water monitoring.

Blog - 18 December