Objectives:

This site was set up to promote the geology of Mull, Iona and the other islands that lie off the west coast of Scotland. The island of Mull is world famous for many of its geological features; the objective of this site is to help bring a greater awareness of the rich geological diversity to the wider public.

Specific Aims:

1. To create an easy to use web site which gives information about the geology of Mull and Iona. This information to be presented at a variety of levels so that anyone at all with an interest can gain something, whether casual visitor or academic
2. To provide a visual record of the rich geology of these islands. This record will be in the format of a photo library of rocks, minerals, fossils, geological structures and photographs of the landscape.
3. To provide information on projects which promote geology such as night classes, excursions, exhibitions etc
4. To provide information to others who are involved in tourism and tourism related projects, so that when guests or visitors ask about the geology they have a resource to which they can be directed
5. To build up a database of published work and research papers on the geology of these islands
6. To create an online excursion guide which will allow the visitor to visit and enjoy some of the geological sites

1. It may safely be maintained that Mull includes the most complicated igneous centre as yet accorded detailed examination anywhere in the world' Bailey et al., 1924, Memoir of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, Scotland, HMSO, Edinburgh, 1924.
2. Study of the geology of places like Mull and the other islands of the Tertiary Igneous Province has been a major factor in the understanding of igneous petrogenesis and magmatic processes.
3. Fingals Cave in Staffa is world famous. It was the inspiration for Mendelssoh'ns Hebrides Overture.
4. Ross of Mull Granite has found its way all over the world
5. The Loch Ba Ring Dyke has been described as "the most perfect example of a ring dyke" known at the time of its discovery.
6. What is now Mull and Iona originally started in the southern hemisphere and has drifted northwards due to plate tectonics.
7. Benmoreite, Craignureite, Tobermorite, Mullite have their type localities in Mull
8. There are lots more...

History & Progress:

Work started on the site in late 2005 and is very much a continuing, on-going project. It is still in its very early stages (October 2006). It is unlikely that it will ever be complete as there will always be something new to add, but it is hoped that the rocks gallery and the excursions guide will be finished by the end of 2008.

Who's involved?

The web master for this site is James Westland - if you want more information please follow this link. He is involved with others who also share an interest in geology and it is hoped to have contributions from these people as well