Rocks formed after Scotland's foundations came together
When its geological foundations came together, Scotland lay south of the equator. Since then, the forces of continental drift have moved Scotland northwards on a journey to its present position. Scotland's story, during this journey, is one of a continuing cycle of erosion and sediment deposition as it drifted north over the equator.
Much of the rock formed during this time was sedimentary in nature, formed from sediments deposited in rivers, lakes and seas. The type of rock formed at any given time (e.g. anything from sandstone to limestone and coal) depended on the environment Scotland was experiencing at the time. A vast lake in a relatively arid climate produced muddy sediments with layers rich in dead fish. These are now the flagstones of Caithness, full of amazing fossils. A humid, tropical climate which existed when Scotland lay on the equator, resulted in great thicknesses of dead vegetation accumulated in swamps. This now forms the coal of the Central Belt.
Volcanic rocks also formed, initially as a result of stretching centred on the Central Belt, and later as a result of upwelling hot material and stretching associated with the opening of the North Atlantic Ocean. These rocks are usually harder than sedimentary rocks so often form hills or mountain ranges.
Permian to Cretaceous Scotland 299-65 million years ago
Permian to Cretaceous 299-65 million years ago
Palaeogene and Neogene Scotland 65-2.6 million years ago
Palaeogene and Neogene 65-2.6 million years ago