Arkley, S. L. B., Browne, M. A. E., Albornoz-Parra, L. J. and Barron, H. F. 2011. East Dumbartonshire Geodiversity Audit. British Geological Survey Open Report, OR/09/19. 265pp.
EDC 13: Blairskaith Quarry, Blairskaith
Grid reference:
Site type: Artificial quarry workings
Site ownership: Not known
Current use: Disused
Field surveyor: Sarah Arkley & Luis Albornoz-Parra
Current geological designations: None
Date visited: 9th March 2009
Site map
Summary description
Disused mudstone quarry, formerly used for manufacture of bricks.
The mudstone beds are part of the Lower Limestone Formation, located above and below the Blackhall Limestone.
The quarry contains a number of sections mainly exposing black fissile mudstones with some dolostone beds. Fallen blocks display a fantastic variety of fossils and sedimentary structures. This is a great site for groups to see a whole selection of geological features found in sedimentary rocks within a safe environment. Fossils include fish material (scales, coprolites), plant debris (Stigmaria, Ulodendron) and a variety of other fossils including crinoids, nautiloids and brachiopods. Sedimentary structures include septarian nodules and desiccation cracks.
The mudstones in the lower part of the Lower Limestone Formation are generally barren or only yield ostracods, fish debris or Curvirimula (Hall et al, 1998). Clayband ironstones are on the other hand are abundant in this part of the sequence, north of the Clyde these were known as the Campsie Clayband Ironstones and were worked at Blairskaith (Hall et al., 1998).
Excellent site.
EDC 13: Stratigraphy and rock types
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Lower Limestone Formation
Rock type: Sedimentary Rock Cycles of the Clackmannan Group Type
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Blackhall Limestone, Lower Limestone Formation
Rock type: Limestone
Assessment of site value
Access and safety
Aspect/Description
Road access and parking Parking probably best south of the quarry near Easter Blairskaith Farm, alternatively there is a rough track to the north of the quarry which could be used.
Safety of access Good access. Large quarry with undulating terrain, partly wooded,
Safety of exposure Quarry faces appear fairly stable, plenty of interesting material available away from the faces too.
Permission to visit No permission sought
Current condition Some of the faces are fairly degraded.
Current conflicting activities Former quarries could be targeted for landfill.
Restricting conditions None
Nature of exposure Degraded quarry faces
Culture, heritage & economic
Historic, archaeological & literary associations
None known. Rating: 0.
Aesthetic landscape Open ground, with wooded areas. Rating: 3.
History of earth sciences None known. Rating: 0.
Economic geology Quarried for mudstone. Rating: 5.
EDC 13: Geoscientific merit
Total Geoscientific merit score 44
Current site value
Community As a suggested site in the 'Glasgow Geological Society. Excursion Guide', interested geologists will already be aware of and visit this site. Rating: 6.
Education Excellent variety of rock types, sedimentary structures and 8 fossils can be observed here, with the added bonus of the nearby mine at Linn of Baldernock and associated karst features. Rating: 8.
Fragility and potential use of the site
Fragility Erosion, Natural Overgrowth, Over-collecting, Development (Potential for landfill)
Potential use Research, Higher/Further Education, School, On-site Interpretation, Geotrail, Multidisciplinary
Geodiversity value
The main value of this site is the diverse range of sedimentary rock types, fossils and structures which can be observed here. Visitors of any age and geological expertise will find something of interest here, the exposures are safe, specimens are numerous and varied, and the site has good access. An excellent site. . Rating: 7.