Impressive Geological Formations in Scotland

Scotland is well known for its stunning landscape. Mountains, rock formations, caves, cliffs, islands, you name it. The further north you go, the wilder it gets. Here we list 5 impressive geological formations that are worth a visit.

THE STORR

The Storr is a rocky hill on the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye. It's an example of the Trotternish landslide which is the longest such feature in Great Britain. The Storr was formed by underlying sedimentary rocks that collapsed under the weight of the basalt, tipping everything sideways and creating this unique landscape. The area in front of the cliffs known as the Sanctuary, features a number of pinnacles that are the remnants of the ancient landslides. The most iconic geological feature is certainly the Old Man of Storr.


KILT ROCK

Kilt Rock is a sea cliff so named for the resemblance of a pleated kilt, with vertical basalt columns forming the pleats and intruded sills of dolerite forming the pattern. This beautiful geological formation can be seen from the Trotternish Peninsula of the Isle of Skye, where it's also possible to see the stunning Mealt Falls dropping into the sea.


BOW FIDDLE ROCK

Bow Fiddle Rock is certainly one of the most iconic rock formations in Scotland. It's a natural rock arch composed of Quartzite, a metamorphic rock which was originally quartz sandstone. This rock formation is part of the Cullen Quartzite formation which dates from the Neoproterozoic era, between 1,000 to 541 million years ago.


GLENCOE

Glencoe is a glen of volcanic origins. It was formed by the eruptions of a supervolcano about 420 million years ago. The volcano has long since become extinct. The landscape was further shaped by the processes of glaciation during the last ice ages, ending 10,000 years ago. This is probably the most visited place in the Highlands of Scotland.


DUNCANSBY HEAD

Duncansby Head is the most north-easterly part of both the Scottish and British mainlands. It consists of windswept moors, sheer cliffs and impressive rock formations. The Duncansby Stacks are rock pinnacles to the immediate South of Duncansby Head, created by the sea eroding the softer parts of the cliffs. Connected to the cliff face is an immense rock arch known as Thirle Door. Not that far from the pinnacles is a place called Geo of Sclaites which is crevice in the cliffs that was formed over millions of years and now is home to thousands of nestling birds, including puffins.


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