Appin Group

Appin Group
Stratigraphic range: Neoproterozoic
TypeGroup
Unit ofDalradian Supergroup
Sub-unitsLochaber, Ballachulish and Blair Atholl subgroups
UnderliesArgyll Group
OverliesGrampian Group
Thicknessup to 4km
Lithology
Primarypsammite
Othersemipelite, quartzite, pelite, schist, limestone, slate
Location
RegionCentral Highlands
Type section
Named forAppin

The Appin Group is a thick sequence of metamorphosed Neoproterozoic sedimentary rocks that outcrop across the Central Highlands of Scotland, east of the Great Glen. It forms a part of the Dalradian Supergroup.

It is divided into three subgroups each consisting of multiple named formations. In stratigraphic order i.e. youngest at the top, these are:

Blair Atholl Subgroup

Islay Limestone Formation
Mullach Dubh Phyllites Formation
Lismore Limestone Formation
Cuil Bay Slates Formation

Ballachulish Subgroup

Appin Phyllite & Limestone Formation
Appin Quartzite Formation
Ballachulish Slate Formation
Ballachulish Limestone Formation
Folded metamorphic rocks of the Lochaber Subgroup in Glen Nevis

Lochaber Subgroup

Leven Schist Formation
Glencoe Quartzite Formation
Binnein Schist Formation
Binnein Quartzite Formation
Eilde Schist Formation
Eilde Quartzite Formation

This whole succession reflects alternate periods of deepening and filling of the sedimentary basin.[1] [2]

  1. ^ Strachan, R.A., Harris, A.L., Fettes, D.J. & Smith, M. 2002 The Highland and Grampian Terranes. In: Trewin, N.H. (ed) The Geology of Scotland. The Geological Society, London pp 96-99
  2. ^ "BGS Lexicon of Named Rock Units - Result Details".