In case the news hadn’t reached some off island readers – on the 17th of April the Isle of Arran was awarded Global Geopark Status by UNESCO. Here, NatureScot Geologist Dr Colin MacFadyen gives us insight into the geographical heritage that makes the island so special. Featured image shows Kildonan dyke and Pladda island. Image credit: Arran Geopark.
Arran joins the North West Highlands and Shetland in a network of locations comprising some of the world’s most extraordinary geology. UNESCO Global Geoparks represent places where outstanding geological heritage is used to support sustainable development; this is achieved through conservation, education, interpretation and nature-based tourism.
‘Scotland in miniature’ is a well-established and long recognised moniker for the Isle of Arran, situated in the Firth of Clyde. The island’s special geodiversity records an extraordinary set of stories, a series of snapshot cameos, of Scotland’s long and incredibly varied geological history stretching back more than 600 million years.
Arran was one of the areas visited by James Hutton, the father of modern geology, who gathered evidence on the island for his theories, crucial in the development of science. Since Hutton’s pioneering work, in the 18th century, the rich variety of rock types and structures on Arran has captivated those who crave a deeper understanding of the island and its place in Earth’s history. The Geopark is a superb and world-class open-air teaching ground and has been for many generations of students.
Evidence in the rock record of closing and opening oceans, sabkhas (mudflats) inhabited by reptiles, forests with giant millipedes, shallow tropical chalk seas, erupting volcanoes and landscapes sculpted by ice form the basis of the Geopark’s geodiversity assets. The geological significance of the island is such that a third of its 430 square kilometres is protected for geodiversity with the island home to 13 Geological Conservation Review Sites.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are not all about the rocks. As part of the Geopark family Scotland’s latest geopark amply shows that geodiversity is the foundation of all ecosystems and the basis of human interaction with the landscape.
The Geopark promotes the links between geological heritage and all other aspects of the island’s natural and cultural heritage. Supporting and fostering sustainable economic and social buildout of Arran’s communities, in harmony with its natural resources, is a key aspect of the Geopark’s activities.
For more information see the following links:
For the press release about the UNESCO status, by Arran Geopark click here
For the statements from UNESCO about this years 16 newly designated Global Geoparks, including Arran follow the links: