Agassiz Rock, Blackford Hill
Geological Conservation Review site | GCR #379 | Quaternary Geology | Quaternary of Scotland
Scotland's geosites are chosen because of their local, national or international importance. Take only photos, leave only footprints: avoid causing any damage to this site. You can walk almost anywhere in Scotland without the need to ask permission or keep to paths, but you have a responsibility to care for your own safety, to respect people's privacy and peace of mind and to cause no damage.
This site is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It is an offence to intentionally or recklessly damage the protected natural features of a SSSI, and this includes unauthorised sample collection.
The right of access does not extend to quarries, building sites or any land where public access is prohibited, or to the collection of geological samples.
Summary
Striations on an outcrop at Blackford Hill, some of the first indicators of glaciation in Scotland to be recognised. Site of historical importance.
A Quaternary site of considerable historical interest as one of the classic localities with the early development of the glacial theory in Scotland. Its striated rock surface was among the first such features to be recognised as the product of glacier ice by Louis Agassiz in 1840. In addition, the Agassiz Rock represents an important landmark in geological conservation, being one of the earliest sites recognised to require safeguarding.
Site information
Further information
https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/agassiz_rock-3002/
Agassiz Rock is a popular site for bouldering with rock climbers. This is an example of geodiversity providing a cultural service. The UKC page gives useful details and provides updates of stability problems with parts of the crag.
https://sitelink.nature.scot/site/9263
Agassiz Rock, Blackford Hill
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3598208
Photograph: Agassiz Rock in Blackford Glen, Edinburgh
