{"title":"Alan McKirdy","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the captivating world of Alan McKirdy, a revered author who brings the wonders of Scotland’s natural beauty to life through his meticulously detailed books. With a rich background in geology and an innate passion for Scotland’s landscapes, McKirdy is a guide to the breathtaking terrains of this magnificent region.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn his engaging series, including works like \u003cem\u003eCentral Scotland\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eOrkney \u0026amp; Shetland\u003c\/em\u003e, McKirdy delves into the intricate stories of Scotland’s natural history. Each book offers a deep dive into how these iconic landscapes were formed, examining the dynamic forces of nature that have shaped them over millions of years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCategorised under Science \u0026amp; Nature, these books are not only educational but also a visual delight, featuring stunning photographs and comprehensive maps. Whether you're a seasoned geologist or simply an enthusiast of natural beauty, Alan McKirdy’s works are a treasure trove of knowledge, waiting to enrich your understanding of Scotland’s natural wonders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eJoin us as we explore the geological marvels and the awe-inspiring story of Scotland’s evolution through the eyes of Alan McKirdy. His books are a must-have for anyone looking to enhance their appreciation of the natural world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"central-scotland-by-alan-mckirdy-9781780277493","title":"Central Scotland","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe written history and archaeological records of Central Scotland take us back to Pictish times some 5,000 years ago. The geology of the area stretches back a further 400 million years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe oldest rocks are found near Lesmahagow and in the Pentland Hills. Known geologically as 'inliers', these are small areas of rocks from an older age, surrounded by younger strata. These strata have yielded some of the oldest fish on earth and are highly prized for what they tell us about early life on the planet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRocks of the Old Red Sandstone and the succeeding Carboniferous era underlie the rest of Central Scotland in almost equal measure. Explosive volcanic rocks, thick layers of lava, desert sandstones, limestones, and productive coal measures make up this bedrock patchwork. Then, sometime later, a covering of ice, some two kilometres thick, blanketed the landscape. It sandpapered and burnished the bedrock into the familiar scenes we see today—our matchless Scottish landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe coal and iron ore, which lay beneath the ground between Edinburgh and Glasgow, provided the raw materials that drove the Industrial Revolution in Scotland. The early focus on understanding the rocks beneath our feet was unsurprisingly initially concentrated on the most useful mineral resources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCentral Scotland\u003c\/em\u003e by Alan McKirdy explores this rich geological and historical tapestry, detailing how the unique landscape has shaped both the natural environment and human development throughout the millennia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854215500012,"sku":"9781780277493","price":22.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/23561343482821.jpg?v=1759237738"},{"product_id":"orkney-shetland-by-alan-mckirdy-9781780276076","title":"Orkney \u0026 Shetland","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe archipelagos of Orkney and Shetland are the products of some of the most dramatic events which have occurred in the Earth's history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Shetlands are the eroded roots of a vast mountain range that once soared to Himalayan heights and extended from Scandinavia to the Appalachians. Around 65 million years ago, this mighty chain was split asunder by the shifting of the Earth's tectonic plates, and the North Atlantic Ocean was formed. In earlier times, the area was occupied by a huge freshwater lake—Lake Orcadie—which existed for almost 10 million years and was home to a wide range of primitive species of fish. Later, during the last Ice Age, the area was completely submerged beneath ice sheets which left an indelible mark on the landscapes of both island groups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOrkney \u0026amp; Shetland\u003c\/em\u003e tells the incredible geological story of the most northerly outposts of the British Isles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854733955308,"sku":"9781780276076","price":24.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/1cf992f6e15ffd9dd44a38088b030bb2.jpg?v=1759265752"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/alan-mckirdy.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}