From BBC News:Outpourings of volcanic ash from Iceland in the 17th Century contributed to a period of famine and hardship in Scotland, according to experts.
A major eruption in 1695 saw large parts of the country affected by a "sulphurous fog".
Prof Alastair Dawson, writing in the latest Scottish Environment Protection Agency magazine, said it came at a time of climatic change.
Dust in the atmosphere dimmed sunlight causing crops to fail.
Prof Dawson, of the University of Aberdeen, writes in Sepa View: "We cannot be sure what the precise effect of this eruption was on Scotland's climate but we do know that the years between AD 1693-1700 were characterised by widespread famine.
"They later became known as the 'King William's Dear Years'.
"A contemporary account of this time describes how it was common for people to bring in the crops in the frosts and snow between November and February."
Women in Climate Change: A National Forum Series (VIC)Where: Hilton on the Park, Melbourne, VIC, AustraliaWhen: 3 December 2009Booking: 02 9261 3566 / green.capital@tec.org.auThe Women in Climate Change (WICC) series is part of the 1 Million Women campaign, which aims to empower a million Australian women to take practical action on climate change by collectively cutting 1 million tonnes of CO2 pollution in their daily lives, thus driving long-term behaviour change. WICC has been supported by the Australian Government through the Women's Leadership and Development Program. The inaugural WICC forums will explore the role of gender for Australia's climate crisis. In recognising both the need for behaviour change and the power of women in driving demand for solutions-related products, services and programs, these events will consider the issues through the lens of women in society, in the community and in business.
