Moine Thrust in north-west Sutherland listed among world's most important geological sites
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A SITE in north-west Sutherland has been recognised for its international geological significance.
The Moine Thrust has made it onto the International Union of Geological Sciences' (IUGS) first list of 100 geological heritage sites.
IUGS revealed the full list of global sites at an event in Spain last month, held to celebrate its 60th anniversary.
More than 200 specialists from almost 40 nations and 10 international organisations were involved in the selection procedure.
The Moine Thrust is a major tract of ancient tectonic faulting where rocks have been moved sideways for more than 62 miles. It is the centrepiece of the North West Highlands Unesco Geopark and can be traced all the way from from Cape Wrath to the Isle of Sky.
Recognised in the 19th century, the Moine Thrust Zone revolutionised the ways geologist developed tectonic understanding of mountain ranges across the world.
The new list also includes another Scottish site – Siccar Point, near Dunbar.
The Scottish Geology Trust has welcomed the inclusion of the Scottish sites.
