My name is James Westland and I live in Tobermory in the Isle of Mull. Although I trained as a geologist, I currently work in IT consultancy. I graduated from St Andrews University in 1980 and then spent 6 years working on the North Sea oil rigs, firstly in mud-logging and core analyis and latterly in MWD surveying. I studied Gaelic at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye and was also employed there for a spell - working on their IT systems and teaching. Since 1998 I have been based in Mull where I am married with two young children

My first visit to Mull was in November 1979 on a field trip as a Senior Honours undergraduate. We stayed in Scoor House near Bunessan, which is still regularly used by geology students.

I have  been interested in geology since primary school. I am very much involved in efforts to raise awareness of the subject, especially here in Mull where there is such a variety to be found. I am keen to promote what I see as a neglected "ology".

As well as this site, I also have a Blog on the BBC "Islandblogging" web site. Have a look at that if you like - on Islandblogging I use the name mountainman. The link to Islandblogging is: www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/islandblogging My own Blog is at: www.bbc.co.uk/scotland/islandblogging/Interactive/000017  Feel free to add your own comments!

If you want to get in touch, please feel free to email, but please don't ask specific questions about the geology - I simply don't have time to answer them properly. I do like to hear from other geologists - if you are an old student friend or member of staff and you are planning a trip to Mull, please give me a call - I'd love to hear from you.

Please let me have your comments on this site, and maybe I'll see you in Mull some day

All the best!

James Westland