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 22: Spouthead Burn, Spouthead Farm
Grid reference:
Site type: Natural section
Site ownership: Not known
Current use: Open country
Field surveyor: Sarah Arkley & Luis Albornoz-Parra
Current geological designations: None
Date visited: 13th March 2009
Site map
Figure 22: Spouthead Burn Location Map
Summary description
Stream sections up the Spouthead Burn expose a variety of sedimentary and igneous rock types, features and tectonic structures.
The lower part of the site exposes strata belonging to the Lower Limestone Formation. Part way up the site a felsite intrusion forms a waterfall above which lies some strata belong to the Ballagan Formation. The upper part of the site exposes basaltic lava flows of the Clyde Plateau Volcanic Formation which make up the high ground of the Campsie Fells.
On a clear day there are great views across the valley.
EDC 22: Stratigraphy and rock types
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Lower Limestone Formation
Rock type: Sedimentary Rock Cycles of the Clackmannan Group Type
Age: Late Carboniferous Formation: Central Scotland Late Carboniferous Tholeiitic Dyke Swarm
Rock type: Olivine-microgabbro and olivine-basalt
Age: Lower Carboniferous Formation: Ballagan Formation
Rock type: Argillaceous rock, dolostone and sandstone
Age: Carboniferous–Early Permian
Rock type: Felsite Formation: Midland Valley Carboniferous To Early Permian Alkaline Basic Dyke Suite
Assessment of site value
Access and safety
Aspect/Description
Road access and parking Parking at Spouthead Farm with permission from the farmer. Space for a few cars.
Safety of access Head behind the farm and across open fields. Open country above the farm makes for good access, mainly along side the burn
Safety of exposure Care should be taken near the waterfall over the felsite intrusion
Permission to visit Permission given by farmer at Spouthead Farm
Current condition Okay, some of the outcrops in the burn are small
Current conflicting activities None
Restricting conditions None, but fairly exposed in poor weather
Nature of exposure Stream and bank side exposures
Culture, heritage & economic
Historic, archaeological & literary associations None known. Rating: 0.
Aesthetic landscape Open country, stream section with some waterfalls and views southwards. Rating: 3.
History of earth sciences None known. Rating: 0.
Economic geology None recorded. Rating: 0.
EDC 22: Geoscientific merit
Total Geoscientific merit score 25
Current site value
Community. Rating: 3.
Education. Rating: 4.
Fragility and potential use of the site
Fragility Erosion
Permission to visit School
Geodiversity value
The main value of this site is the presence of the felsite intrusion and the cementstone beds belonging to the Ballagan Formation.. Rating: 4.