South Kerrera and Gallanach
Also within
Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Old Red Sandstone Igneous | Favourable | — | 2009-05-05 |
| F2 | Quaternary of Scotland | Favourable | — | 2011-11-24 |
| F3 | Silurian - Devonian Chordata | Part Destroyed | — | 2018-12-07 |
Climate exposure
This is about exposure to a nationwide pressure this habitat type carries — not a verdict on this site's own management.
Coastal habitats are exposed to sea-level rise and storm erosion. Where hard sea defences sit behind them, there's nowhere landward to retreat to — a squeeze that keeps compressing the habitat no matter how well it's managed.
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Devonian, Silurian · Rock Type: Sandstone
Landscape processes: Coastal, Glacial, Volcanic / Igneous
Description
South Kerrera and Gallanach South Kerrera and Gallanach SSSI is composed of three coastal sections, with two large stretches on the island of Kerrera, and a small area on the mainland at Gallanach, to the immediate south of Oban. The site consists of three distinct geological features, all of which are considered to be of national importance. In broad terms Kerrera’s geology consists of ancient Dalradian basement rocks unconformably overlain by sediments and volcanic rock of Old Red Sandstone (Devonian) age. Exposures in the SW of the island illustrate the relationship between Old Red Sandstone volcanic and volcaniclastic sediments and the underlying Dalradian basement. Interbedded with the lavas and volcaniclastics are a series of flaggy, laminated sediments which constitute the Lorne fish beds. In outcropping near Ardmore on Kerrera and also at Port Carraig na Maraig on the mainland, there are rocks that contain a unique and important agnathan fish fauna of late Silurian-early Devonian age. South Kerrera is also a valuable coastal geomorphological site illustrating former changes in the level of the sea relative to the land. It provides one of the best assemblages of landforms associated with the Main Rock Platform, a feature formed by marine erosion during the Devensian late glacial period. It includes fine examples of a raised rock platform and fossil caves, stacks and a natural arch.