Unearth the geology of the Scottish islands Colonsay and Oronsay—and their nearby Ross of Mull—with clear, field-based explanations.
This memoir combines detailed map-based descriptions with accessible explanations of rock types, structures, and the forces that shaped the landscape. Readers will gain a grounded view of how ancient sediments, intrusions, and glaciation fit together on these islands, and what they reveal about broader Scottish geology.
This edition presents Part I focused on Colonsay and Oronsay, and Part II on the southern Ross of Mull. It covers rock groups from the Torridonian sediments to Lewisian gneiss, and examines plutonic masses, dykes, and lamprophyres. It also looks at tectonics, glaciation, post-glacial changes, and local economic resources.
What you will experience
- Side-by-side descriptions of major rock units, their relationships, and how they were affected by movements and cleavage.
- Illustrated sections and maps that show intrusions, breccias, and the two phases of tectonic activity on Colonsay.
- Insights into glaciation patterns, raised beaches, and post-glacial deposits around Colonsay and Oronsay.
- Context on the wider geology of the surrounding area, including the Ross of Mull and nearby islands.
Ideal for readers of field geology, regional maps, and anyone curious about how ancient rocks reveal Earth’s history in a scenic Scottish setting. The book is a detailed resource for researchers and an informative, accessible guide for enthusiasts planning a geology-focused visit.