Kirkhill
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Quaternary of Scotland | Favourable | — | 2011-02-25 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Quaternary
Landscape processes: Glacial, Periglacial
Description
KIRKHILL Kirkhill is located 13 km north-west of Peterhead. The site has the most complete stratigraphic record of Middle to Late Quaternary deposits in Scotland. These comprise a sequence of glacial, periglacial and glaciofluvial sediments, together with buried soils of interstadial and interglacial status. In particular, they include: (i) two buried interglacial soils; (ii) a record from tills and erratics for at least three separate phases of glaciation in Buchan; (iii) evidence for at least five separate periglacial phases, three of which predated the last interglacial and three of which involved soil development. Kirkhill is therefore a unique site of the very highest importance for Quaternary studies in Scotland.