The Lochaber and Glencoe area is rich in historical associations. It was at Glenfinnan that Bonnie Prince Charlie started his long march southwards to lay claim to the British throne, and Glencoe was the scene of one of the most vicious massacres in Scottish history. But a longer and even more turbulent history is played out geologically. Ancient volcanoes erupted in massive explosions, causing shock waves that reverberated around the planet. Their eroded remains form some of the breathtaking scenery for which Glen Coe is famous, as well as the highest mountain in Britain – Ben Nevis. Ice too played its part as glaciers scraped their passage across the landscape, carving deep glens and shaving the tops off the highest mountains.

This book is fascinating introduction to the geology of the area, which features some of Scotland’s oldest rocks and some of its most stunning and dramatic scenery.

'Alan McKirdy’s insights are valuable because he is the author of a string of accessible and informative short illustrated books on the geological history of Scotland'

'Not only are they a wealth of information on Scotland's past, they offer valuable insight as Scotland’s future becomes increasingly uncertain due to climate change'

Alan McKirdy has helped to promote the study of environmental geology in Scotland. Before his retirement he was Head of Knowledge and
Information Management at Scottish Natural Heritage. He is now a freelance writer and regularly gives talks at book festivals and other events.