Using the ion microprobe SHRIMP we have analysed zircons from the Ben Vuirich, Glen Kyllachy, Inchbae and Vagastie Bridge granites from the Scottish Caledonides, in an attempt to resolve the ages of inherited zircons shown to be present in these granites by previous conventional multigrain analyses. Middle Proterozoic age components were found in inherited zircons from all four granites. Late Proterozoic (900–1,100 Ma) components have been identified in zircons from the Glen Kyllachy and Ben Vuirich granites in the Grampian Highlands. A Late Archaean age has only been detected in one zircon from the Glen Kyllachy granite. The distribution of...