Gin Head (Tantallon)
Local Geodiversity site | East Lothian
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.
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
Ballagan Formation, tetrapods. Tantallon (Gin Head) is a moderately good example of sedimentary structures within sandstones with national palaeontological significance
Site information
Access notes
On visit access route used was path to Lower Canty Bay. To reach Gin Head you must cross wave cut platform areas at the base of cliffs. Low tide and good weather on day of visit but a route with potential hazard.
Safety notes
There are no safety notes yet.
Site highlights
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Further information
There are no further information notes yet.
Related geosites
Overlaps with
Clea wave-washed section about 2.5 m in height showing truncation of beds in places.
Al McGowan
Sept. 28, 2025
NT 5939 8530
Bedding in sediments with sedimentary structures towards top of photo
Al McGowan
Sept. 28, 2025
NT 5942 8533
Contact zone between volcanic rocks to west (left) and Ballagan Formation to east (right). Note bedding on triangular block in right centre of FOV.
Al McGowan
Sept. 28, 2025
NT 5935 8535