A super-continent breaks up leading to the formation of the lapetus Ocean. Scotland's oldest pieces become part of the North American continent, Laurentia.

500 MILLION YEARS AGO

The lapetus Ocean begins to close generating volcanoes. The northern volcanic arc collides with Scotland to form the base ofthe Central Belt. The rest of Britain begins its journey North.

510 - 440 MILLION YEARS AGO

The Lapeus Ocean, an ocean as wide as the Atlantic, divides Scotland and England.

400 MILLION YEARS AGO

As the lapetus finally closes the remaining pieces of Scotland come together, and the rest of Britain arrives to complete the picture.

40 MILLION YEARS AGO

The North Atlantic Ocean opens and Scotland, until now a piece of North America, joins Europe. Africa and India have yet to collide with Europe and Asia.

6 MILLION YEARS AGO

Melting ice raises the level of the seas so that Britain, until now attached to Europe by a wide land bridge, is now cut off.