Torridonian Sandstone Field Boundary in Scotland

March 18, 2024

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Photographer: Jeanette Stafford  
Summary Author: Jeanette Stafford 

This photograph shows an ancient field boundary curving towards the remains of Clachtoll Broch from where the Torridonian red sandstone used in its construction was sourced. To the left of the boundary, the undulations left by previous use of the run rig agricultural system are clearly visible, and towards the upper right, the mound under excavation is Clachtoll Broch, an Iron Age round tower, constructed by dry stone walling from the local stone around 2,000 years ago.

Stoer Bay, visible beyond the broch, is of interest in particular for the Stac Fada meteorite complex. Stac Fada is a small rock pinnacle visible at low tide that was originally thought to be volcanic in origin due to the inclusion of green devitrified glass. More recent analysis discovered shocked quartz suggesting an event with extraterrestrial origins. The most likely site of such a meteorite impact has been identified as near the town of Lairg, around 31 miles (50 km) to the east. Photo taken on September 17, 2023.

Stoer Bay, Sutherland, Scotland Coordinates: 58.1984-5.346

Related Link:
Run Rigs at Clachtoll, Scotland