Next Geology Field Trip on Tuesday 20th March

Yesterday's geology field trip with Prof Skelton was a great success.  The format of the next proposed trip is to be the same on 20th March, with visits to both Bunnahabhain and Port Ellen proposed.  We still have some places left so if you would like to join us then please either call the centre on 01496 850288 and leave a message, or contact us via email on manager@islaynaturalhistory.org

Geology Field Trip Report

Fourteen of us joined Professor Alasdair Skelton and his post-grad student Vincent for a Geology trip based around two sites, the first being a location just south of Bunnahabhain.

We enjoyed a fascinating overview of both first principles of geological classification, and also a truly memorable demonstration of how the eastern half of Islay was formed, using a set of coloured rubber mats and a map.

We had a close look at the remains of the Wyre Majestic, the Fleetwood trawler that ran onto the rocks here back in 1973.

The weather was kind overall, and we enjoyed some spectacular views down the Sound of Islay

One of the many highlights of the day were these fossil stromatolites, some of the most ancient (and successful) living things on the planet.

Our second location was the Ard near Port Ellen where Alasdair had conducted the research for his pHD.

This was an exploration of how carbon dioxide, formed from the remains of organisms that lived around 700 million ago years, became trapped in rock 30kms below the earths surface and then escaped.  Or something like that..!!  - Carl

Professor Alasdair Skelton

An audience of over one hundred packed into the Centre yesterday evening to hear a presentation entitled 'The Geology of Islay' by Professor Alasdair Skelton of the University of Stockholm.  Alasdair's talk was highly entertaining as well as informative and the Trust appreciates his efforts.
Alasdair has a long association with Islay - research for his PhD centred on the geology of the Ard peninsular near Port Ellen during the 1980's and he has visited a number of times since both with his family and with groups of students from Stockholm.
He is proposing to bring another group during March 2012, and has offered to conduct geology field trips for people on Islay at that time.  We will bring you more details of this as arrangements firm up.

Carl