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 16: Finniescroft Wood, Lennoxtown
Grid reference:
Site type: Natural section
Site ownership: Not known
Current use: Private country
Field surveyor: Sarah Arkley & Luis Albornoz-Parra
Current geological designations: None
Date visited: 13th March 2009
Site map
Summary description
Disused limestone quarry.
The Hurlet Limestone marks the base of the Lower Limestone Formation. Immediately underlying the Hurlet Limestone is the Alum Shale and Hurlet Coal
The Hurlet Seam (including both the limestone and coal) is one of the most important datum lines within the Carboniferous sequence, as it was the lowest workable seam which could be recognised over wide areas of western Scotland. (Hinxman, 1920). The limestone is generally 3 to 4 ft thick north of the Clyde, dark grey in colour and largely composed of encrinital debris, the coal is usually soft, contains pyrite and is of poor quality, a thin layer of 'alum shale' separates the two. (Robertson, 1937).
The alum shale at one time supplied material for a considerable alum industry nearby. The coal was only valuable for burning the lime on the spot. The lime however, was of good quality and extensively worked.
The Hurlet Limestone is visible in small stream exposures, containing crinoid debris.
EDC 16: Stratigraphy and rock types
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Lawmuir Formation
Rock type: Sedimentary Rock Cycles of the Strathclyde Group Type
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Lower Limestone Formation
Rock type: Sedimentary Rock Cycles of the Clackmannan Group Type
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Hurlet Limestone, Lower Limestone Formation
Rock type: Limestone
Assessment of site value
Access and safety
Aspect/Description
Road access and parking Parking is possible for one or two cars at both the SW and NE end of the wood,
Safety of access Within the wood access is over rough uneven ground
Safety of exposure Some steep ground is very wet and slippery. Also when viewing outcrops within the stream care should be taken on slippery rocks
Permission to visit No permission sought
Current condition Small outcrops kept clean by flowing water
Current conflicting activities
None
Restricting conditions None
Nature of exposure Stream exposure
Culture, heritage & economic
Historic, archaeological & literary associations
Adjacent to Campsie Alum Works. Rating: 3.
Aesthetic landscape Wooded area. Rating: 2.
History of earth sciences None known. Rating: 0.
Economic geology Workings in Hurlet Limestone, Alum Shale and coal. Rating: 3.
EDC 16: Geoscientific merit
Total Geoscientific merit score 31
Current site value
Community Few people would venture into the woods which cover the site of 5 the old quarry, however there is a signed footpath which runs just north of the woods. Rating: 4.
Education Importance of this site is due to the presence of the Hurlet Limestone which was quarried extensively in the area, but the outcrops are not that impressive from an educational point of view, although gain value due to their proximity to the forme Campsie Alum Works, SE of Lennoxtown. Rating: 4.
Fragility and potential use of the site
Fragility Erosion, Natural Overgrowth
Potential use School
Geodiversity value
The main value of this site is the presence of the Hurlet Limestone, this unit was extensively worked across the Central Scotland and surviving exposures are rare. Rating: 3.