The importance of Scotland's rocks, minerals, sediments and soils, and the forces that formed them across three billion years, are recorded in the world's first geodiversity charter.

The charter was launched yesterday by the Scottish Government to raise the profile of the nation's geological heritage.

Glasgow's geodiversity includes drumlin glacial landforms.

Edinburgh's Castle Rock, once a volcano, and the variety of building stone used in the construction of the New Town, are examples of the capital's geodiversity.

Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "Geological diversity is often taken for granted but it is key to our environment and our quality of life – the importance of its sustainable management should not be underestimated."

Scotland's Geodiversity Charter has been drawn up by the Scottish Geodiversity Forum, with support from the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, the British Geological Survey and GeoConservationUK.