In the last 450 million years, three discrete and very different episodes of volcanic activity have created the bulk of Scotland’s igneous rocks. This volcanic activity has formed the rocks of most of Scotland’s highest hills, provided the sites of many of Scotland’s castles and created the shape of the west coast and islands: in total, probably the strongest geological influence on Scotland’s landscape, character and culture. Join me to explore the nature of the volcanic activity of the past and the ways in which it has shaped Scotland today.