Engaging with Geodiversity: 'Stone Voices', Creativity and Ecosystem Cultural Services in Scotland

This paper reviews the contribution of geodiversity to ecosystem cultural services, in particular to: educational values; cultural heritage and the built environment; cultural inspiration, creativity and aesthetic values as reflected in literature, poetry and art; and recreation and tourism. Exploration of the creative influence of geodiversity allows a broader, interdisciplinary perspective on cultural links with the physical landscape and the connections between people and the natural world. Recognition of the cultural role of geodiversity also provides heuristic, experiential opportunities for engagement with Scotland's geoheritage and raising awareness of the value and relevance of geodiversity and geoscience today, complementing more traditional didactic approaches.