Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill

Where’s the volcano? The story of the making of Calton Hill

Join us online on Zoom to explore Calton Hill with geologist Angus Miller, and discover how this iconic spot was shaped by ancient forces.

Calton Hill is made of a pile of tough igneous rock: lava flows and layers of debris, all volcanic in origin. But Calton Hill is not a volcano in its own right, because there is no crater here. Where was it? We don't know for sure, but there are clues that help work out the relationship between Calton Hill and Arthur's Seat, and the architecture of the volcano or volcanoes of central Edinburgh.

Along the way we'll meet some lovely rocks, including the smoothest rock in Edinburgh and some of the youngest. The other part of the story involves eroding rocks, over a long period of time, to create the shape of the hill that we know and love today.

Some of the topography is hidden under bridges and buildings, but we will try and strip that away to appreciate the low, craggy, stream-lined hill that plays such a big part in the landscape of Edinburgh.

Join us on Zoom to discover more on Tuesday 25 November, starting at 18.00.