Stac Pollaidh and the River Polly, Wester Ross, Scotland.
Commentary.
Contrary to appearance Stac Pollaidh is not a volcano.
Indeed, its upper reaches are sedimentary sandstone, laid down in near desert conditions.
As with a notable proportion of Sutherland, the “Knock and Lochan” landscape of low hills and lochans is an ancient bedrock going back nigh on 3 billion years, called Lewisian Gneiss.
Some of it will have metamorphosed multiple times due to massive geological movements and intrusions.
From some angles Stac Pollaidh’s summit ridge looks like an irascible porcupine with raised quills.
This is because periglacial erosion and subsequent wind and rain have weathered the sandstone to a multitude of chimney-like pillars and spires.
On a summer day like this the golden Gorse, river, sandstone peak and emerald woodland form a tranquil and agreeable scene that belies its ancient, violent and dynamic history.
Stac Pollaidh and the River Polly, Wester Ross, Scotland.
Commentary.
Contrary to appearance Stac Pollaidh is not a volcano.
Indeed, its upper reaches are sedimentary sandstone, laid down in near desert conditions.
As with a notable proportion of Sutherland, the “Knock and Lochan” landscape of low hills and lochans is an ancient bedrock going back nigh on 3 billion years, called Lewisian Gneiss.
Some of it will have metamorphosed multiple times due to massive geological movements and intrusions.
From some angles Stac Pollaidh’s summit ridge looks like an irascible porcupine with raised quills.
This is because periglacial erosion and subsequent wind and rain have weathered the sandstone to a multitude of chimney-like pillars and spires.
On a summer day like this the golden Gorse, river, sandstone peak and emerald woodland form a tranquil and agreeable scene that belies its ancient, violent and dynamic history.