Geology, petrology and geochemistry of Ailsa Craig, Ayrshire

The island of Ailsa Craig is well known not only as an outstanding landmark to travellers by sea through the North Channel and Firth of Clyde, but also as the source of some of the world's finest curling stones. It is famous geologically as the origin of 'marker' erratics found in glacial deposits over wide areas around the Irish Sea. Though Ailsa Craig is so familiar a feature, no detailed study has previously been published, despite visits by geologists to the island on numerous occasions. Landing can be very difficult and access to much of the island is hazardous, especially on the western upper parts which are very steep and often slippery; of the other dangers to the visitors, not the least is that of falling debris from the vertical cliffs forming the southern and western coastline.