Creag nan Gamhainn Springs : a hydrogeological survey and interpretation of the groundwater system

The Creag nan Gamhainn Special Area of Conservation (SAC) / Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (in this report known as the Creag nan Gamhainn SAC) lies to the west of Tomintoul in the Highlands. Creag nan Gamhainn is designated as a SAC under the EC Directive 92/42/EEC on the Conservation of Natural Habitats and of Wild Flora and Fauna (the ‘Habitats Directive’) on the basis of the presence of hard-water springs depositing lime, also known as tufa springs, which is a priority habitat under the Directive. The approximate National Grid Reference (NGR) for the centre of the Creag nan Gamhainn SAC is NJ 152 194. The A939 Bridge of Avon to Tomintoul road runs through the site (Figure 1). The Moray Council employed the British Geological Survey (BGS) to carry out a hydrogeological survey of the springs at Creag nan Gamhainn SAC. This report describes the survey and provides an interpretation of the groundwater system related to the springs. Scale: 1:25000 (1cm = 250m) SITE LOCATION Information on the extent of the SAC / SSSI provided by Scottish Natural Heritage. Figure 1 The general area of Creag nan Gamhainn, showing the approximate extent of the SAC /