Geomorphic evolution in Hebridean Scotland

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Abstract
Synopsis: The view is challenged that the Highland plateau in Scotland originated during later Palaeozoic times and evolved as a complex ‘peneplain’. The view is also challenged that the Highland plateau originated as an emergent Cretaceous sea-floor. Although Cretaceous rocks were repeatedly deformed by Palaeogene earth-movement and igneous action, there is no sign of a ‘Hebridean rift’ to which the complexities of Hebridean geology may be relegated. Arran, of Hebridean igneous facies in an alien structural context, confirms other evidence in demonstrating that the evolution of regional relief is not to be separated into one mode in a conjectural rift, another in a mainland massif. The primary Hebridean landform appears to be the product of the pulsed emergence of little-warped wave-cut benches. The benches continue uninterruptedly from the Hebridean province into the Highlands, and prove an original geomorphic unity of the whole country. Since the benches bevel the Palaeogene igneous masses and are later than the mid-Tertiary folds and faults, the regional landscape is essentially Neogene in origin. So also appears to be the landscape of other parts of Britain.

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