Geology of Durness

This photo shows the four different rock types found at Sangobeg Beach. The banded rocks in the foreground are Lewisian gneiss and are commonly associated with large pink pegmatite intrusions. In the background, the wavecut platform is formed of Pipe Rock whereas the dark grey cliffs behind are made of Durness Limestone (Sailmhor Formation dolostones). Large faults exist between each of the different rock units, effectively slicing up the succession. The fault between the Pipe Rock and the Durness Limestone forms this cliff face and a thick red-stained fault breccia exists within this fault plane, giving the headland the name Creag Ruadh, meaning ' Red cliff'.