Mendum, J.R., Barber, A.J., Butler, R.W.H., Flinn, D., Goodenough, K.M., Krabbendam, M., Park, R.G. & Stewart, A.D. 2009. Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine Rocks of Scotland, Geological Conservation Review Series No. 34, JNCC, Peterborough.
The original source material for these web pages has been made available by the JNCC under the Open Government Licence 3.0. Full details in the JNCC Open Data Policy
The original source material for these web pages has been made available by the JNCC under the Open Government Licence 3.0. Full details in the JNCC Open Data Policy
J.R. Mendum, A.J. Barber, R.W.H. Butler, D. Flinn, K.M. Goodenough, M. Krabbendam, R.G. Park and A.D. Stewart
GCR Editor: R.H. Banham
Joint Nature Conservation Committee
British Geological Survey
Natural Environment Research Council
Published by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Monkstone House, City Road, Peterborough, PE1 1JY, UK
First edition 2009. ©2009 Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Typeset in 10/12pt Garamond ITC by JNCC. Printed in Great Britain by Hobbs The Printers, Totton. ISBN 978 1 86107 483 6. A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.
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Recommended example citations
Mendum, J.R., Barber, A.J., Butler, R.WH., Flinn, D., Goodenough, K.M., Krabbendam, M., Park, R.G. and Stewart, A.D. (2009) Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine Rocks of Scotland, Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 34, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 722 pp.
Friend, C.R.L. (2009) Scourie Mor. In Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine Rocks of Scotland (J.R. Mendum, A.J. Barber, R.W.H. Butler, D. Flinn, K.M. Goodenough, M. Krabbendam, R.G. Park and A.D. Stewart), Geological Conservation Review Series, No. 34, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, pp. 130–4.
List of contributors
Acknowledgements
Access to the countryside
Preface N.V Ellis
1 Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine rocks of Scotland: an introduction
Introduction M. Krabbendam, K.M. Goodenough and J.R. Mendum
The contribution of the Northern Highlands to the understanding of tectonic processes K.M. Goodenough, J.R. Mendum and M. Krabbendam
Tectonic setting and evolution of the Northern Highlands M Krabbendam, J.R. Mendum and K.M. Goodenough
GCR site selection K.M. Goodenough and D. Stephenson
2 Lewisian Gneiss Complex of the Outer Hebrides
Introduction J.R. Mendum
Roineabhal, South Harris J.R. Mendum
Na Buirgh (Borve), South Harris J.R. Mendum
North Pabbay, Sound of Harris D.J. Fettes
North Uist Coast J.R. Mendum
Gearraidh Siar (Garry-a-siar) and Baile a' Mhanaich (Balivanich), Benbecula D.J. Fettes
Rhughasinish, South Uist D.J. Fettes
Loch Sgioport (Skipport), South Uist D.J. Fettes
Cnoca Breac (Rubh' Aird-mhicheil), South Uist D.J. Fettes
Leinis (Leanish), Barra D.J. Fettes
Cnoc an Fhithich (Aird Grèin), Barra J.R. Mendum
3 Lewisian of the Scottish mainland
Introduction R.G. Park
Badcall C.R.L. Friend
Scourie Mor C.R.L. Friend
Sìthean Mòr C.R.L. Friend and J.R. Mendum
Scourie Bay C.R.L. Friend
Tarbet to Rubha Ruadh R.G. Park
Loch Drumbeg R.G. Park
An Fharaid Mhòr to Clachtoll R.G. Park
Gruinard River R.G. Park
Creag Mhòr Thollaidh R. G. Park
Kerrysdale R.G. Park
Flowerdale R. G. Park
An Ard R.G. Park
Loch Braìgh Horrisdale to Sìdhean Mòr R.G. Park
Alligin (Diabaig) R.G. Park
4 Torridonian rocks of Great Britain
Introduction A.D. Stewart and K.M. Goodenough
Stoer A.D. Stewart
Loch na Dal A.D. Stewart
Kylerhea Glen A.D. Stewart
Loch Eishort A.D. Stewart
Diabaig A.D. Stewart
Upper Loch Torridon A.D. Stewart
Rubha Dunan A.D. Stewart
Enard Bay A.D. Stewart
Achduart A.D. Stewart
Aultbea A.D. Stewart
Cailleach Head A.D. Stewart
5 Moine Thrust Belt
Introduction R.W.H. Butler
Eriboll R.W.H. Butler
Clèit an t-Seabhaig R.E. Holdsworth
Faraid Head R.E. Holdsworth
Sango Bay R.W.H. Butler
Foinaven R.W.H. Butler
Glencoul R.W.H. Butler
Skiag Bridge R.W.H. Butler
Stronchrubie Cliff R.W.H. Butler
Traligill Burn R.W.H. Butler
Ben More Assynt–Conival–Na Tuadhan R.W.H. Butler
Sgonnan Mòr–Dubh Loch Beag–Upper Glen Oykel R.W.H. Butler
Cam Loch R.W.H. Butler
Knockan Crag R.W.H. Butler
Dundonnell R.W.H. Butler and S.J. Matthews
Càrn na Canaich R.W.H. Butler
Slioch–Heights of Kinlochewe R.W.H. Butler and S.J. Matthews
Meall a' Ghiubhais R.W.H. Butler and S.J. Matthews
Beinn Liath Mhor R.W.H. Butler
Cnoc nam Broc, Kishorn R.W.H. Butler
Slumbay Island, Loch Carron A.J. Barber
Carn a' Bhealaich Mhoir A.J. Barber
Hangman's Bridge A.J. Barber
Ard Hill A.J. Barber
Ord R.F. Cheeney and M. Krabbendam
Tarskavaig R.E. Cheeney and M. Krabbendam
Ard Thurinish-Port na Long R.F. Cheeney
6 Moine (North)
Introduction J.R. Mendum
Ben Hutig J.R. Mendum
Port Vasgo–Strathan Bay J.R. Mendum
Melness J.R. Mendum
Allt na Caillich (Ben Hope) R.E. Holdsworth
Allt an Dherue J.R. Mendum
Coldbackie Bay J.R. Mendum
Strathan Skerray to Skerray Bay R.A. Strachan
Aird Torrisdale V.E. Moorhouse
Ard Mor (Bettyhill) V.E. Moorhouse
Farr Bay (Bettyhill) V.E. Moorhouse
Glaisgeo–Farr Point V.E. Moorhouse
Sgeir Ruadh (Portskerra) R.M. Key
Dirlot Castle E.K. Hyslop
Ben Klibreck R.A. Strachan
Oykel Bridge N.J Soper
The Airde of Shin N.J. Soper
Allt Doir' a' Chatha N.J. Soper
The Rogart Pluton and Migmatite Complex N.J Soper
Creag na Croiche N.J. Soper
Aberscross Burn–Kinnauld N.J. Soper
Brora Gorge N.J. Soper
Carn Gorm E.K. Hyslop
Comrie (Strathconon) J.R. Mendum
Cromarty and Rosemarkie Inliers A.J. Highton
7 Moine (Central)
Introduction J.R. Mendum
Fannich S.P. Kelley
Meall an t-Sithe and Creag Rainich S.P. Kelley
Loch Monar J.R. Mendum
Abhainn Gleann nam Fiadh (Glen Affric) J.R. Mendum
Attadale A.J. Barber
Dornie–Inverinate Road Section (A87) A.J. Barber
Avernish A.J. Barber
Totaig A.J. Barber
Allt Cracaig Coast A.J. Barber
Druim Iosal A.J. Barber
Beinn a' Chapuill A.J. Barber
Eilean Chlamail–Camas nan Ceann A.J. Barber
Rubha Camas na Cailinn A.J. Barber and M. Krabbendam
Ard Ghunel R.F. Cheeney
8 Moine (South)
Introduction J.R. Mendum
Glen Doe I.L. Millar
Kinloch Hourn E.K. Hyslop
Quoich Spillway R.A. Strachan
Knoydart Mica Mine E.K. Hyslop
North Morar J.R. Mendum
Druimindarroch JR. Mendum
Fassfern to Lochailort Road Cuttings (A830) R.A. Strachan
Lochailort E.K. Hyslop
Eas Chia-Aig Waterfalls R.A. Strachan
Loch Moidart Road Cuttings (A861) J.R. Mendum
Eilean Mor and Camas Choire Mhuilinn J.R. Mendum
Ardalanish Bay (Mull) A.J. Highton
9 Lewisian and Moine of Shetland
Introduction D. Flinn
Uyea to North Roe Coast D. Flinn
Gutcher D. Flinn
North Sandwick D. Flinn
Hascosay D. Flinn
Cullivoe D. Flinn
Voxter Voe and Valayre Quarry D. Flinn
References
Glossary
Index
Anthony J. Barber Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 OEX.
Robert W.H. Butler Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology, School of Geosciences, University of Aberdeen, Meston Building, Aberdeen AB24 3UE.
Robert F Cheeney formerly Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Edinburgh, The Grant Institute, Kings Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JW.
Douglas J. Fettes British Geological Survey, Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh EH9 3LA.
Derek Flinn Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences, University of Liverpool, The Jane Herdman Laboratories, 4 Brownlow Street, Liverpool, L69 3GP.
Clark R.L. Friend 45 Stanway Road, Risinghurst, Headington, Oxford OX3 8HU.
Kathryn M. Goodenough British Geological Survey, Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3LA.
Andrew J. Highton formerly British Geological Survey, Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3IA.
Robert E. Holdsworth Department of Earth Sciences, Durham University, Science Laboratories, Durham, DH1 3LE.
Ewan K Hyslop British Geological Survey Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3LA.
Simon P Kelley Department of Earth Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA.
Roger M. Key British Geological Survey, Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3LA.
Maarten Krabbendam British Geological Survey, Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3LA.
John R. Mendum British Geological Survey, Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3LA.
Ian L. Millar NERC Isotope Geosciences Laboratory Kingsley Dunham Centre, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG.
Valerie E. Moorhouse formerly 53 Flexmore Way, Langford, Bedfordshire, SG18 9PTR. (now deceased)
R. Graham Park 12 Provost Ferguson Drive, Tahi, Ross-shire, IV19 1RE (formerly at Department of Earth Sciences, Keele University, Keele, Newcastle, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG).
N. Jack Soper Gams Bank, Threshfield, Skipton, Yorkshire, BD23 SNP.
David Stephenson British Geological Survey Murchison House, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3LA.
Alexander D. Stewart voc. Paoluccio, 05020 Porchiano del Monte, Italy.
Robin A. Strachan School of Earth & Environmental Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Burnaby Road, Portsmouth, PO1 3QL.
This volume is the combined work of the 20 contributors listed on pages xi-xii. The Introduction (Chapter 1) was compiled and largely written by K.M. Goodenough and M. Krabbendam. The Moine Thrust Belt (Chapter 5) was edited by M. Krabbendam, and the Torridonian Rocks (Chapter 4) by K.M. Goodenough. The Moine rocks of mainland Scotland (Chapters 6, 7 and 8) and the Lewisian Gneiss Complex in the Outer Hebrides (Chapter 2) were compiled by J.R. Mendum who also carried out the overall compilation and editing. D. Stephenson (BGS) carried out preliminary editing of most chapters and has provided invaluable help, advice and support throughout the long gestation of this work. The GCR editor was PH. Banham and the referee was M.R.W. Johnson, whose perceptive comments resulted in the improvement of the balance, consistency and geological content during the later stages of preparation. The project was co-funded by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee ONCC) and the British Geological Survey (BGS) and has been managed by N.V. Ellis for JNCC and D.I.J. Mallick, DJ. Fettes and ultimately M. Smith for BGS. It was seen through to production by JNCC's editorial team, in particular Emma Durham.
The initial site selection and site documentation for this volume was done largely by the late V.E. Moorhouse with assistance from S.J. Moorhouse. Advice on site selection for the Lewisian Gneiss Complex was provided by DJ. Fettes, A. Beach and R.H. Graham; on the Torridonian rocks by A.D. Stewart; and for the Shetland sites by D. Flinn. Four additional sites were added later to the Moine Thrust Belt network based on advice by R.W.H. Butler. Information and assistance has been provided by R. Threadgould and R. Wignall (for Scottish Natural Heritage). Diagrams were expertly drafted by S.C. White and C.F. Pamplin (JS Publications, Newmarket), and the index was prepared by Jane Angus. Photographs were scanned and prepared by B.M. McIntyre and F.I. MacTaggart (BGS, Edinburgh). Photographs from the BGS collection are reproduced by kind permission of the Director, BGS, NERC; all rights reserved (PR/23–27).
On behalf of all of the site authors, we would like to record our thanks to the owners and managers of land and quarries who have allowed access to the sites, either during previous work or specifically for this GCR volume.
This volume is not intended for use as a field guide. The description or mention of any site should not be taken as an indication that access to a site is open. Most sites described are in private ownership, and their inclusion herein is solely for the purpose of justifying their conservation. Their description or appearance on a map in this work should not be construed as an invitation to visit. Prior consent for visits should always be obtained from the landowner and/or occupier.
Information on conservation matters, including site ownership, relating to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) or National Nature Reserves (NNRs) in particular counties or districts may be obtained from the relevant country conservation agency headquarters listed below:
Countryside Council for Wales, Maes-y-Ffynnon, Penrhosgarnedd, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2DW.
Natural England, Northminster House, Peterborough PE1 1UA.
Scottish Natural Heritage, Great Glen House, Leachkin Road Inverness IV3 8NW.
There is such a diversity of rocks, minerals, fossils and landforms packed into the piece of the Earth's crust we call 'Britain' that it is difficult to be unimpressed by the long, complex history of geological change to which they are testimony. But if we are to improve our understanding of the nature of the geological forces that have shaped our islands, further unravel their history in 'deep time' and learn more of the history of life on Earth, we must ensure that the most scientifically important Earth science sites are conserved for future generations to study, research and enjoy. Moreover, as an educational field resource and as training grounds for new generations of geologists on which to hone their skills, it is essential that such sites continue to remain available for study. The first step in achieving this goal is to identify the key sites, which is a primary aim of the Geological Conservation Review.
The GCR, launched in 1977, is a world-first in the systematic selection and documentation of a country's best Earth science sites. No other country has attempted such a comprehensive and systematic review of its Earth science sites on anything near the same scale. After three decades of site evaluation, consultation with the scientific community, and site documentation, we now have an inventory of over 3000 GCR sites, selected for 100 categories covering the entire range of the geological and geomorphological features of Britain.
The minimum criterion for GCR site selection is that sites should offer the finest and/or the most representative feature for illustrating a particular aspect of geology or geomorphology. The resulting GCR sites are thus, at the very least, of national scientific importance and many of these include features regarded as either 'classic' (i.e. a 'textbook example'), internationally important, or simply 'unique'. Some are, in addition, visually spectacular.
The present volume is the 34th to be published in the GCR series of books, which, when complete, will stretch to more than 40 volumes and provide a vast geoconservation information resource. The volume, in describing the ultimately selected GCR sites, represents the results of that part of the GCR assessment and selection programme for Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine rocks. Each of these three geological themes provided the basis for site selection categories for the GCR. This volume summarizes the considerable research that has been undertaken on the localities and will be invaluable as an essential reference source for those engaged in their study and aims to provide a stimulus for further investigation. It will also be helpful to teachers and lecturers and for those people who, in one way or another, have a vested interest in the GCR sites: owners, occupiers, planners and those concerned with the practicalities of site conservation. The conservation value of the sites is mostly based on a specialist understanding of the Earth science features present and is, therefore, of a technical nature. The account of each site ends, however, with a brief summary of the geological interest, framed in less technical language, in order to help the non-specialist. The first chapter of the volume, used in conjunction with the glossary, is also aimed at a less specialist audience.
This volume deals with the state of knowledge of the sites available at the time of writing, and it must be seen in this context. There is still much to learn about the GCR sites documented here, in increasing our knowledge and understanding of geological history and processes. Geological studies, like any other science, are ever-developing, with new discoveries being made, and existing models being subject to continual testing and modification as new data comes to light. While the existing sites continue to enable us to add to our geological knowledge, increased or hitherto unrecognized significance may be seen in new sites. Indeed, during the writing of this volume, a number of additional localities were considered for inclusion and, after a period of assessment, were ultimately deemed to be worthy of GCR status and were included in this account. That fact is almost inevitable when one considers that some of the original networks of sites were drawn up over two decades ago.
Therefore, it is possible that further important sites will be identified in future years for the GCR as research continues. However, it must be stressed that the GCR is intended to be a minimalist scheme, with the selection of only the best, most representative, example of a geological feature, rather than the selection of a series of sites showing closely analogous features.
This account clearly demonstrates the value of the GCR sites to the study of Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine rocks and their importance within the wider context of Britain's outstanding scientific and natural heritage, and I am grateful to the British Geological Survey to their valuable contribution in assisting JNCC in its conservation goals.
NV Ellis, GCR Publications Manager and Geoconservation Adviser, JNCC June 2008