Mineral exploration in the Pitlochry to Glen Clova area, Tayside region, Scotland

Reconnaissance drainage sampling of the area between Pitlochry and Glen Clova in the Highlands of Scotland was undertaken in 1987 and 1988. 309 stream sediment and 347 panned concentrate samples were collected and analysed for a variety of major and trace elements. Four areas were identified with potential for economic gold mineralisation, Glen Clova, Glen Uig, east of Dunkeld and Bridge of Cally. Detailed sampling and follow-up investigations in Glen Clova identified a gold-bearing fault zone in the Burn of Fleurs. Levels up to 7 ppm Au were detected in clay fault gouge and the fault can be traced by geophysical methods for 1.6 km. Features with a similar trend, such as the orientation of stream courses, can be identified extending for a further 10 km to the southeast. Recommendations for further work to investigate this and other prospective areas are presented. The potential of the area for base metal deposits is probably low and the few suphide-bearing veins are of little economic significance when compared to the stratabound deposits in the Middle Dalradian. The economic potential of the Highland Boundary fault zone was, however, unexplored.