Hutton’s Unconformity
James Hutton visited the Isle of Arran in 1787 to study “the nature of granite and the connection of it with the contiguous strata”. While there, he also identified the unconformity at Newton Point north of Lochranza.
At this famous location, Carboniferous sandstone from around 350 million years ago overlies significantly older Dalradian schist from around 540 million years ago. Thus, the time gap of 190 million years is about three times that of the one at Siccar Point.
Google map showing the Isle of Arran
Directions to Newton Point, Lochranza
Typically, one would travel to the Isle of Arran by ferry from the Scottish mainland.
The main ferry crossing is from Ardrossan to Brodick.
From there, it is a 14-mile drive or bus journey on the A841 to Lochranza.
Followed by a short coastal walk northwards to Newton Point.
There is also a smaller ferry crossing from Claonaig to Lochranza.
Arran Geopark
Further information on Newton Point and Arran’s geology can be found on the:
Geoguides on the Scottish Geology Trust Website
The Birth of ‘Deep Time’
Towards the end of the eighteenth century, one man’s theories about the real age of the Earth transformed the way people thought about how truly ancient the planet is.
His name was James Hutton – the Founder of Modern Geology and the pioneer of Deep Time.
Questions / comments?
If you have any comments or questions about this website, please contact Angus Miller at the Edinburgh Geological Society: promotion@edinburghgeolsoc.org