North West Highlands Geopark (2016) North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
Additional notes: These web pages are sourced from the PDF North West Highlands Geopark Geodiversity Audit and Action Plan 2013–2016
NWHG Ref. 019 — Loch Drumbeg
Location, grid reference
The site occupies a relatively small area west of Drumbeg near the shores of Loch Drumbeg, Grid Ref.
GCR site reference, block, volume and notified feature of SSSI?
GCR Ref. 2439, Lewisian Block, Vol. 34. Confirmed GCR site, not SSSI notified feature.
Description and geological significance
This small site area is of national importance as it contains Lewisian early mafic- ultramafic igneous intrusions which are thought to represent the oldest parts of the Lewisian Gneiss Complex.
Accessibility
The site lies close to the B 869 on the north side of Loch Drumbeg and there is car parking provision close-by. A short walk over rough and boggy ground is required to access the main exposures, otherwise limited all abilities access is possible.
Conservation
Low conservation requirement.
Visibility and “clarity”
The key features are not directly visible from the road. Features are difficult to interpret.
Interpretation and interpretation potential
The site requires specialist interpretation and does not lend itself to general interpretation for the wider public. There is some potential for developing the site as a teaching resource for geology students.
Key references
BOWES, D.R. & PARK, R.G. 1964. Layered intrusive rocks in the Lewisian of the North- West Highlands of Scotland. Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London, 120, 153–192.
PARK, R.G. 2009. Loch Drumbeg. In Mendum, J. R., Barber, A. J., Butler, R. W. H., Flinn, D., Goodenough, K. M., Krabbendam, M., Park, R. G. & Stewart, A. D. (eds) Lewisian, Torridonian and Moine rocks of Scotland. Geological Conservation Review Series, 34, Joint Nature Conservation Committee, Peterborough, 145–146.