Craig Rossie
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Old Red Sandstone Igneous | Part Destroyed | — | 2010-03-04 |
Geology & landscape
Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Devonian · Rock Type: Sandstone
Landscape processes: Volcanic / Igneous
Description
CRAIG ROSSIE Craig Rossie is situated 4km east of Auchterarder on the north side of the Ochil Hills. It includes the north and west slopes of the hills, and a disused quarry near Pairney farm. It is important for the exposures of Old Red Sandstone igneous rocks. Acid lavas are of restricted occurrence in the Lower Devonian Ochil Volcanic Formation and are confined to high stratigraphic positions in the volcanic pile. The most important example is the well-exposed rhyodacite at Craig Rossie. The rock is red biotite-quartz-feldspar-phyric lava exhibiting spectacular flow banding. The banding, although locally contorted, is generally very even, but does not appear to be parallel to the base of the flow. The flow, which may be composite, is believed to occupy a depression in the pre-existing lavas and to have a laterally restricted lenticular form.