Volcanoes, nature’s mountains of fire, have always been a source of fear and fascination for man.

Today, the Earth’s 1500-plus active volcanoes, as well as those which are dormant or extinct, remain a subject which captures the imagination of young and old around the world and intrigues scientists and lay people alike.

Here in Scotland, we take great interest in stories of volcanoes in far-off places but forget that around us, we can see evidence of volcanoes which once shaped our country. And how many people realise that our capital city boasts its very own 350 million-year-old volcano?

There’s an opportunity to learn all about this geological gem on Sunday 28 October 2007, in a Hot Rocks event at Holyrood Park [4]. Graham Checkley of the Historic Scotland Ranger Service will be hosting a special guided walk during which he will be sharing his knowledge of Holyrood Park’s wealth of geological treasures and talking about the history of the Arthur’s Seat volcano.

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Graham said: ‘When Arthur's Seat was an active volcano, Scotland was still on the equator and the most advanced form of land-life were very early lizards. Following the initial eruption at the site of Edinburgh Castle [6], the volcano grew to between 500 and 750 metres in height. At its greatest extent, the volcanic cone would have covered most of Edinburgh. The remains of this cone can still be seen as Whinny Hill in Holyrood Park and I’ll be pointing that out during the guided walk. There will also be an opportunity to touch 350 million year old lava flow.’

You can join Graham on his Hot Rocks journey to the centre of Edinburgh’s volcano from 1.00pm to 3.00pm on Sunday 28 October. The event is suitable for anyone over eight years old. Booking is essential and can be made by calling the Holyrood Park Ranger Service on 0131 652 8150 or emailing hs.rangers [7].

• A volcano is a geological landform (usually a mountain) where magma (rock of the earth's interior made molten or liquid by high pressure and temperature) erupts through the surface of the planet. The name ‘volcano’ has its origin from the name of Vulcan, a god of fire in Roman mythology.
  
  
• The Arthur's Seat volcano is a renowned international geological site and was the subject of study by James Hutton, often known as the father of modern geology.
  
  
• Holyrood Park is one of Edinburgh’s most famous and popular historic landmarks. It encompasses a 5-mile radius of land and has probably been a Royal Park since the 12th century. The dramatic crags and hills of the Park - including its most famous landmark, Arthur’s Seat - are integral to Edinburgh’s distinctive skyline.
  
  
• Holyrood Park is designated as both a Scheduled Ancient Monument and Site of Special Scientific Interest; it is full of geological and archaeological features dating back thousands of years. These include Arthur's Seat, one of four hill forts dating from around 2000 years ago, a prehistoric farmstead of scooped circular hut, east of Dunsapie Crag, and the remains of medieval and later rig-and-furrow cultivation.
  
  
• Holyrood Park is in the care of Historic Scotland which is responsible for maintaining the natural environment and presenting the Park for the enjoyment of the local community and visitors. The Ranger Service based at Holyrood Park cares for this unique historic and natural attraction and provides a range of important educational services.