Geology of Durness
Moine Thrust Zone at Faraid Head
As well as at Sango Bay, the Moine Thrust is also exposed towards the northwest headland of Faraid Head. At this locality, Orthogneisses forming the small hillock called Poll a' Gheodha Bhain (photo on left) have been tectonically 'pushed' on top of the Oystershell Rock that forms the flatter ground.
The contact between these two units are seen along the cliff face and large scale folding within the Oystershell Rock is present directly below the thrust plane (formed due to thrust deformation). Metre-scale imbricate folds are also seen and are commonly associated with these thrust features (eg. Stronchrubie escarpment at Inchnadamph, Assynt). At the base of the hillock, the uppermost Oystershell Rock also shows excellent examples of tight to isoclinal (sheath) folding.
WARNING!: The cliffs at this locality are up to 50m high and are dangerous. One Oystershell Rock outcrop is a safe distance away from the cliff-edge but never approach the cliff-edge here (rock is especially slippy when wet). This sheltered section is also a popular nesting ground for sea-birds which can become aggresive if you approach their nests upon the cliff face.
