Recent publications on Scottish geology

Three recent publications explore different aspects of the geology of Scotland’s western highlands and islands. Whether you are interested in fossils, metamorphic rocks or sense of place, something for everyone in this selection …

 

Jurassic Skye: Dinosaurs And Other Fossils Of The Isle Of Skye, by Sarah White and Dugald Ross, 2020, Pisces Publications ISBN: 9781874357971

The Isle of Skye is justifiably famous for its dinosaur fossils, in particular some spectacular footprints and trackways. As a northern outpost of Jurassic rocks in Britain, Skye has revealed a fascinating range of fossils, not only of dinosaurs, but also ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, turtles, crocodiles, mammals and plants. This is the first book to describe this wealth of material and it is illustrated throughout with photos of fossils as well as their finders. Although aimed an a general audience, it also contains detailed appendices for those who would like to dig a little deeper into the subject.

The Deep History of Scotland’s West Highlands, published by Lochaber Geopark, 2020.

This well-illustrated 24-page booklet is published by the Lochaber Geopark. It describes the geological events and processes that have led to the formation of the rocks and landscapes of Lochaber and the wonderful scenery we can see today. Available to buy online from the Edinburgh Geological Society.

The Changing Outer Hebrides by Frank Rennie, 2020, Acair ISBN: 9781789070835

This is a fascinating and intimate account of the inter-relationship between one small island village in the Hebrides and the wider world. From the formation of the bedrock 3 billion years ago, to the predictable near-future, the layers of this unique landscape are explored. The social history of the people is closely interwoven with the natural environment in a journey of deep mapping to consider the meaning of special places. Through the Iron Age and the Clearances to the contemporary events of community land ownership, a portrayal is given that challenges the perception that this is a remote place, isolated at the edge, but instead is crucial to our contemporary relationship with the land.