Everywhere you look, there is evidence of how geology shapes Scotland – not just our landscape, but how people have lived in the past and our modern society in a myriad of ways. And geology doesn't stop, it will continue to influence Scotland into the future.

Geology shapes Scotland: everywhere you look you can see the influence of landscape in shaping where people have settled, the resources we have used, and the very character of the land, the settlements and perhaps even the people. Scotland has had an amazing geological past, this wee piece of continental crust records a palimpsest of episode after episode of change beginning billions of years ago. That's why modern Scotland is so varied, in terms of scenery and land use, which contributes to a strong sense of place that is rooted in the Scottish psyche. But Scotland isn't finished – as Edinburgh's great(est) thinker, James Hutton, understood, the geological processes responsible for the current state of things will continue into the future. Climate change, sea level rise, erosion, volcanic activity will affect future generations.

Angus Miller is a geologist who is passionate about the hidden role that landscape and rocks have on modern Scotland. Angus teaches Scottish geology with the Centre for Open Learning and leads walks and trips exploring different areas, starting with the geological background and exploring how it influences land, nature and people. As Chair of the Scottish Geodiversity Forum he is involved in campaigning for better recognition of the importance and value of geology for society.

Our Open Lectures series celebrates the research, projects, collaborations, events and professional practices of our teaching staff at the Centre for Open Learning. Our courses are designed and taught by an extraordinary range of talented and dedicated academics, practitioners and professionals. Many enjoy long and distinguished careers whilst others are in the early stages, perhaps in the midst of their postdoctoral study or working on their first book or exhibition.

Our new series will bring our learning community together to listen and engage with our tutors, as they reveal the story behind their own practices and research, perhaps through a funded project, a commission or continuing professional development.