An investigation of rare-earth mobility: Fenitized quartzites,Borralan complex,N.W. Scotland

Examples of fenitization of pure quartzites provide valuable insight into the relative mobility of elements. This investigation of fenites from the Borralan complex shows that rare-earth elements are mobile and added during fenitization of quartzite. The resulting normalized patterns are distinctive in their enrichment of the light rare earths and steep drops in the interval Nd-Eu. In terms of rare-earth geochemistry, no difference can be found between the sodic and the potassic trends of fenitization at Borralan. Concentrations of mobile elements define straight-line plots through the origin, heretofore considered a criterion indicative of a fractional crystallization process.Present address: Department of Geological Sciences, McGill University, 3450 University Street, Montreal, Que. H3A 2A7, Canada     

Seismically induced soft-sediment microstructures (seismites) from Meikleour, western Strathmore, Scotland

At the distal portion of a large glacial outwash fan in eastern Scotland, a suite of both macro- and microstructures was examined. The macrostructures reveal intense soft-sediment deformation indicative of liquefaction, fluidization and loading processes possibly associated with neotectonic effects of seismic activity along the nearby Highland Boundary Fault. The section at Meikleour has already been examined at the macroscale and an interpretation put forward. In a follow-up study, microstructures were examined using micromorphological techniques to attempt to establish if this technique could be successfully used, and to reconsider the macroscale interpretation. In light of micromorphological analyses, a similar interpretation of neotectonic deformations associated with seismic activity is suggested. Microstructures, never hitherto observed in fine glaciofluvial outwash, were interpreted as those possibly associated with strong seismic tremors, since no evidence existed for subsequent overriding by glacial ice, mass movement or related processes that might otherwise explain such unusual microstructures. This work further establishes the validity and reliability in using micromorphological analyses.     

The Carstairs Kames (Lanarkshire,Scotland): morphology,sedimentology and formation

The Carstairs Kames have been the subject of debate for over 150 yr. A synthesis of previous work, along with new sedimentological data, is used to reappraise this classic British esker locality. Three morphological elements are recognised: (i) large, sinuous and anastomosing ridges; (ii) large, irregular, linear mounds; and (iii) small, low and irregular mounds. The main ridge system is composed of a core of boulder gravel with sand/pebble gravel above and adjacent to the core. The large, linear mounds contain a varied facies range which include: glaciolacustrine sediments (deltaic sequences, laminites and dropstones); debris flows; and glaciofluvial channel systems. All the deposits, both in the main ridges and in the adjacent linear mounds, contain syn-and post-depositional subsidence structures, including normal faults, synclinal folds and growth faults. A range of potential origins for these landforms is reviewed and it is suggested that glaciofluvial sedimentation in a supraglacial environment, controlled by a topography of ice-cored ridges, is the most appropriate depositional model. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Mineralogy of High Temperature Shear Zones at Scourie, N. W. Scotland

A study of the mineralogy of some Laxfordian shear zones atScourie shows that they formed at about 600 °C, 6 kb, andwere zones of intense metasomatism. The gneisses in the shearzones have been enriched in potash and water, depleted in calciumand silica and oxidized relative to underformed gneisses adjacentto the shear zones. Microprobe analyses of the phases presentin the shear zones are used to write chemical reactions describingthe formation of new phases (biotite, kyanite, etc.) from pre-existingphases (pyroxene, horn-blende, garnet, etc.). Some kyanite-sillimanite-staurolite-corundum-spinel-bearingassemblages are described in detail since these provide themost definitive P–T indicators.     

Particulate metal speciation in surficial sediments from Loch Dee, southwest Scotland, U.K.

The geochemical partitioning of ten elements in stratified Holocene sediments from Loch Dee, southwest Scotland, has been established by use of a five-stage sequential extraction procedure. Samples from below 15 cm sediment depth show minimal evidence of modification by anthropogenic contamination or active diagenesis and hold Fe, Mg, Cu, Cd, Co, Pb, and Ni primarily in detrital silicates or organic complexes, while Mn, Ca, and Zn reside largely in adsorbed and reducible oxide phases. In the uppermost ca 15 cm of sediment, enhanced total concentrations of Zn, Cu, and Pb reflect increased atmospheric deposition during the postindustrial period. Of these metals, only Pb displays any notable adjustment of partitioning in the enriched zone, showing disproportionate accumulation in labile oxides and organic-Pb phases. The lack of Pb and Zn carbonates in the contaminated horizon may reflect inherent thermodynamic instability under the acid surface and pore-water conditions of Loch Dee. Increments to total Mn and Co in the surficial ca 5 cm of sediment are attributable to the accumulation of secondary oxides and adsorbed species, consistent with precipitation from the interstitial pore-waters across a sedimentary redox front. The presence of metals such as Zn and Cd in soluble or acid-volatile phases in the interfacial sediment has implications for the future management of the Loch Dee basin, with leaching into the overlying waters likely, given the continuation of current trends of lake acidification.     

The Late Devensian Lateglacial palaeoenvironmental record from Whitrig Bog, SE Scotland. 2. Chironomidae (Insecta: Diptera)

Changes in chironomid midge larval assemblages in Lateglacial (c. 13.5–10 ka yr BP) lake sediments from Whitrig Bog are used to infer climatic (temperature) change. The earliest sediments contain few, predominantly cold stenothermic taxa. This fauna is replaced by an assemblage dominated by thermophilic taxa, indicating rising temperatures. The relatively warm Interstadial is punctuated by at least two brief cold oscillations which are characterized by the return of certain cold-water taxa and the demise of some elements of the thermophilic fauna. The earlier of the two oscillations was apparently shorter and colder than the second. The highest Lateglacial Interstadial temperatures were attained either shortly before or after the first cold oscillation. This timing of the Lateglacial thermal maximum is apparently later than has been previously inferred from fossil beetle data. The Lateglacial Interstadial is terminated by the Loch Lomond (Young Dryas) Stadial, which is indicated in this monolith by an abrupt return of cold stenothermic Chironomidae and the virtual elimination of thermophilic taxa. Temperatures during the Younger Dryas appear to have been colder than during either of the previous minor cold oscillations. Climatic inferences from chironomid analysis broadly support and augment conclusions drawn from sediment chemistry and palynological evidence derived from the same monolith, although there is evidence that the vegetation and chironomid responses to early postglacial warming were out of phase.     

Regional metamorphism of some Dalradian pelites in the Buchan area,N.E. Scotland

Regional metamorphic zones, based on mineral assemblages in pelites, are presented for the Dalradian rocks of Aberdeenshire and Banffshire, in the type area of Buchan metamorphism; electron microprobe analyses of cordierite (C), staurolite (S), chlorite (Chl), biotite (B) and white mica (Ms) are reported for rocks from the classic sections of the Banffshire coast and the valley of the Ythan.A low grade biotite zone, separates two NE-SW trending sets of higher grade zones, in which the sequence s defined by the entry of cordierite, andalusite (A) and (in the west only) staurolite. The zones are characterised by the assemblages (with quartz and muscovite) B-Chl, C-B-Chl, A-C-B and S-A-B.The western sequence contains a transition towards higher pressure, Barrovian type, metamorphism. The isograds arise from continuous reactions affecting rocks of restricted bulk composition (M/FM). With increasing grade, there is a regular trend towards more magnesian ranges of composition for the assemblages C-B-Chl, A-C-B and finally (as P increases in the west), S-A-B. The isograds form when these assemblages intersect the most Fe⁺⁺-rich rock compositions present which occurs in each case when the biotite M/FM=40. A complex of divariant equilibria, derived for the system KFMASH, is used to model the natural reactions.     

Gold-Silver vein mineralization at Tyndrum,Scotland

Summary Electrum, hessite, petzite and sylvanite have been recorded from veins at Tyndrum, Scotland. Electron probe micro-analyses have also revealed two un-named Ag-Te-S phases. Fluid inclusion studies suggest that the mineralising fluids responsible for the precious metal mineralization contained 7.0 mol % CO₂ and 7 wt % NaCl. T_H (temperature of homogenisation) determinations were in the range 295°C to 325°C and a depth of vein formation 4 km is indicated. Mineral precipitation was probably caused by cooling and adsorption of gold onto pyrite. ³⁴S values of + 1.8%o for galena from the Au + Ag + Te veins suggest a different (possibly igneous) sulphur source to that producing the Pb +Zn vein mineralization in the Tyndrum area. Although an age of 380 Ma was obtained using K-feldspar in the veins the data are not conclusive. It is argued that the Au + Ag mineralization at Tyndrum is due to hydrothermal activity related to Cu +Mo mineralization associated with the Late Caledonian granites.

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Die Gold-Silber-Gang-Vererzung von Tyndrum, Schottland

Zusammenfassung In der Gang-Vererzung von Tyndrum, Schottland, kommen eine Gold-Silber-Legierung, Hessit, Petzit und Sylvanit vor. Außerdem ergaben Mikrosondenanalysen das Vorhandensein von zwei unbekannten Ag-Te-S Phasen. Die Untersuchungen von Flüssigkeitseinschlüssen zeigen, daß die für die frühe Mineralisation verantwortlichen Lösungen 7.0% Mol.% CO₂ und 7 Gew.% NaCl enthalten haben. Die Homogenisie-rungstemperaturen liegen im Bereich von 295-325°C und weisen auf eine Tiefe der Gangentstehung von 4 km hin. Die Au-Ag-Te Mineralbildung kam vermutlich durch Abkühlung und Adsorption von Gold auf Pyrit zustande. ³⁴S-Werte von + 1.8%0, gemessen an Bleiglanz aus Au-Ag-Te-Gängen deuten eine magmatische Schwefelherkunft an, während die Pb-Zn-Gangmineralisation eine andere Schwefelquelle vermuten läßt. Die Altersdatierung der Gänge von 380 Mio. Jahren läßt sich derzeit noch nicht sinnvoll interpretieren. Es wird angenommen, daß die Au-Ag-Vererzung von Tyndrum durch hydrothermale Aktivität im Zusammenhang mit einer an spätkaledonische Granite gebundenen Cu-Mo-Vererzung entstanden ist.

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Isotope Geochemistry of Tertiary Igneous Rocks from the Isle of Skye, N.W. Scotland

New Pb isotope analyses are reported for forty-seven basic,intermediate and acid Tertiary igneous rocks from the Isle ofSkye and adjacent regions of northwest Scotland. New Sr isotopeanalyses and two Rb/Sr isochron dates are also reported forthe acid igneous rocks. These results are combined with publishedSr and Nd isotope data for Tertiary igneous rocks from Skyeand adjacent regions in order to examine the genesis and evolutionof Tertiary magmas in the Isle of Skye. Pb isotope analyses form a linear array on a Pb/Pb isochrondiagram, with a slope yielding an apparent age of 2920 ±70m.y. (2), interpreted as a mixing line between ca. 2900 m.y.-oldcrustal Pb and 60 m.y.-old mantle-derived Pb. Combined isotopicdata support a model of selective crustal Pb, Sr and Nd contaminationof basic and intermediate mantle-derived magmas, without significantmodification of major-element composition. This contaminationprocess is probably due to the breakdown of LIL-element-enrichedaccessory mineral phases, and does not necessarily produce linearmixing lines on isotope ratio plots of different elements. SkyeRedhills epigranites contain a predominant fraction of acidmagma which differentiated from mantle-derived basic precursors,and a subsidiary fraction of upper crustal melt. The proportionof this melt is estimated to rise from less than 10 per centin the older granites to around 30 per cent in the younger. Isotopic and geochemical data are used to draw conclusions aboutthe differentiation histories of the four principal magma typesof Skye: the Fe-rich and Fe-poor members of the Skye Main LavaSeries, Preshal Mhor Basalts and Redhills epigranites.     

Metamorphism of the Scourian Complex, NW Scotland

The rocks of the Scourian Complex have been intensively studied, but there is still no consensus as to the conditions of the granulite-facies metamorphism preserved in these rocks. Recent estimates of these conditions fall into two groups, one at 820-920°C and ca. 11 kbar and the second at ca. 1000°C and >12 kbar. Investigation of a variety of rocks shows that the recorded conditions vary with grain-size, with higher-grade conditions recorded by the cores of coarser ( ca. 10 mm) crystals, and lower-grade conditions recorded by the rims of coarser grains and by finer grains. This observation suggests that re-equilibration during recovery of these rocks to the surface has been important which may account for the discrepancy in estimated P-T conditions. Revised estimates of the equilibration conditions of the Scourian Complex of T > 1000°C and P > 8.5 kbar are presented. The conditions suggested for the peak of metamorphism mean that the role of anatexis in the genesis of these rocks must be considered and the nature of the fluid phase thoroughly investigated.     

Relative elemental mobility during hydrothermal alteration of a basic sill,Isle of Skye,N.W. Scotland

In Sconser quarry, Isle of Skye, a thin Tertiary basic sill is cut by vertical veins which formed fluid conduits in a major meteoric-hydrothermal system. In order to study the relative mobility of different elements during hydrothermal metamorphism, sill material adjacent to a large (6 mm wide) vein was cut into slices and subjected to geochemical and isotopic analysis. Isotopic evidence indicates that the basic magma which formed the sill was contaminated by Lewisian (Archaean) gneisses at depth, while material from Torridonian (Proterozoic) sandstone country rocks was introduced by hydrothermal fluids after crystallisation. The behaviour of the different elements during hydrothermal metamorphism divides them into 4 groups.

1. Large-ion low-charge elements Ba, K, Rb and Cs were strongly leached from the wall rock in the vicinity of the vein.
2. Other elements including Sr and Pb were depleted near the vein, but isotopic evidence indicates addition of some material from the fluids. This two-way nuclide transport forms an exchange process.
3. Many high-field-strength elements including the REE are slightly enriched near the vein, but Nd isotope evidence reveals no addition of material from fluids. These elements must have been relatively enriched by the removal of other elements (mainly Si and Al).
4. Ca and Na were added to the wall rock from fluid. The variable mobility of these elements is explained by the differing ease with which they could be incorporated into a new albite-calcite-chlorite-epidote mineralogy. The constitution of this hydrothermal mineralogy was largely determined by the primary igneous mineralogy, though the composition of hydrothermal fluids had a subordinate influence.

     

Nickel-copper mineralization at Talnotry,Newton Stewart,Scotland

Summary Nickel-copper mineralization occurs near the base of a diorite intrusion close to its contact with hornfelsed Ordovician and Silurian shales and greywackes. The principal ore minerals are nickeline, gersdorffite, pyrrhotine, pentlandite and chalcopyrite with minor amounts of molybdenite, tellurobismutite, gold, sphalerite and argentopentlandite. Pyrite, marcasite, violarite and goethite also occur but are interpreted as later alteration products. Much of the pyrrhotine-rich mineralization at the base of the intrusion is in the form of blebs and interstitial aggregates with amphiboles, plagioclase feldspar, biotite, chlorite and quartz. Chalcopyrite-rich and nickeline-gersdorffite-rich mineralization occurs above this and immediately below unmineralized diorite in the form of patches, lenticular masses and stringers along joints and fractures.Whole rock and ore analyses and electron microprobe data on the silicates, sulphides and sulpharsenides are presented.The unmineralized diorite has low SiO₂ and high MgO contents compared to typical diorites and relatively high Cr, Ni and Ti trace element values. In the mineralized diorite, platinum-group elements occur in very low concentrations in the pyrrhotineand chalcopyrite-rich assemblages but Pt, Pd and Au show significant enrichment in the nickeline-gersdorffite-rich mineralization.A magmatic origin for the mineralization is proposed rather than formation by hydrothermal solutions or metasomatism.

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Die nickel-kupfer vererzung von Talnotry, Newton Stewart, Schottland

Zusammenfassung Die Nickel-Kupfer Vererzung befindet sich im Kontaktbereich einer Dioritintrusion mit hornfelsdurchdrungenen silurischen und ordovizischen Grauwacken. Die am häufigsten auftretenden Erzmineralien sind Nickelin, Gersdorffit, Pyrrhotin, Pentlandit, und Chalcopyrit mit kleineren Mengen von Molybdenit, Tellurwismuth, Gold, Sphalerit und Argentopentlandit. Weiters treten als spätere Umwandlungsprodukte Pyrit, Markasit, Violarit und Goethit auf. Ein großer Teil der Pyrrhotin-reichen Vererzung am Fuße des eingedrungenen Diorits bildet fleckige, lückenfüllende Aggregate zwischen den Silikatphasen (Amphibol, Plagioklas, Biotit, Chlorit, Quarz). Die Chalcopyrit- und Nickelin-Gersdorffit-reiche Vererzung tritt zwischen dem unvererzten Diorit im Hangenden und der Pyrrhotin-reichen Vererzung im Liegenden als linsige, lappenartige Konzentration und entlang von Fugen und Brücken auf.Vollgesteins-Analysen sowie ausgewählte Erzanalysen und Mikrosondenergebnisse der Silikate, Sulfide und Sulfarsenide liegen vor.Im Unterschied zu den typischen Dioriten zeigt der unvererzte Diorit einen niedrigen SiO₂ und hohen MgO Gehalt und relativ hohe Cr, Ni und Ti Spurenelementwerte. Die Platingruppenelemente sind in den Pyrrhotin- und Chalcopyrit-reichen Vererzungen nur schwach vertreten, jedoch sind Pt, Pd und An in der Gersdorffit-reichen Vererzung stark angereichert.Ein magmatischer Ursprung dieser Vererzung, im Gegensatz zu einer metasomatischen Entstehung oder Bildung aus hydrothermalen Lösungen wird vermutet.

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Transcrystalline shear fracturing and pseudotachylite generation in a meta-anorthosite (Harris, Scotland)

The meta-anorthosite is locally deformed by brittle shear fracturing, which progressively increases from isolated fractures with little cataclasite to many generations of closely spaced fractures, the intervening rock being highly deformed, in both a plastic and brittle way. In most cases an E-W compression on gently dipping to steep reverse shear planes occurs, which we relate to a Caledonian thrust zone.In places, the highly deformed rock is cut by pseudotachylite veins, which locally form networks. The pseudotachylite is generally intrusive, but does not appear to be related to movement on major slip surfaces. Very locally it may have formed in situ. Pseudotachylite only occurs in highly deformed rock, is only very occasionally deformed itself and, thus, generally represents at each locality the last stage of a complex deformation history, as if its presence welded the rock and prevented further deformation. These striking differences from the country-rock gneisses (in which pseudotachylite occurs on well developed fractures in very slightly deformed rock) are considered to be due to the low anisotropy of the meta-anorthosite, to its lower shear strength and to the easy propagation and branching of the shear fractures in plagioclase. The source of the heat necessary to generate the pseudotachylite melt is not clear—it may come from crack propagation as well as frictional sliding.     

The stratigraphy,structure and regional significance of the Moine Rocks of Mull,Argyllshire, W. Scotland

Two right-way-up Moine lithostratigraphic units—the Shiaba (older) and Assapol (younger) Groups—are distinguished in the Ross of Mull. These were intruded in the west by the post-tectonic, Ross-of-Mull granite complex at 414 ± 3 Ma. Apparently undisturbed inclusions of Moine metasediments within the granite permit the boundary between the lithostratigraphic units to be followed westward almost to the supposed trace of the Moine thrust in the Sound of Iona. The Shiaba and Assapol Groups which have a transitional, albeit attenuated, stratigraphic contact are correlated with the Morar and Glenfinnan Divisions of Inverness-shire, the Sgurr Beag ductile thrust (slide) normally found at the Morar/Glenfinnan Division boundary being absent. This implies that the stratigraphic relationship between these two divisions, which is elsewhere obscured by the thrust, is uniquely preserved on Mull. Within a local, D1-D4 sequence, D2 and D3 structures are dominant. Originally subhorizontal D2 folds are intensely curvilinear on all scales about an originally flat-lying, NNW-SSE trending stretching lineation (L2). In sections parallel to L2, D2 minor folds display a constant sense of vergence throughout the Ross-of-Mull Moine Rocks, overturning generally NW-NNW. The present day structure is dominated by the almost upright, SSW-plunging D3 Assapol synform which overprints all earlier structures. Tentative correlation of the deformation sequence with that of Inverness-shire, suggests that the D1-D2 structures of Mull, with accompanying moderate-to-high-grade metamorphism, may be Precambrian, while the D3 Assapol synform may be Caledonian. The presence of migmatites of kyanite grade means that metamorphic grade, established during MS1-MP2, is anomalously high for Moine rocks lying close to the supposed Caldonian front. This suggests that they may lie within one of the higher Caledonian thrust nappes of the North Highland Moine—possibly the Knoydart nappe, where metamorphic grade is comparable. The greenschist facies metamorphism and single phase of deformation affecting the ‘Torridonian’ rocks of Iona presents a significant contrast to the Moine rocks of the Ross of Mull. A major fault in the Sound of Iona is implied, but the Moine thrust itself probably does not outcrop.     

A stable isotope study of serpentinization and metamorphism in the Highland Border Suite,Scotland, U.K.

$\text{D}\text{H}$ and ${}^{18}\text{O}{}^{16}\text{O}$ ratios have been measured for whole-rock samples and mineral separates from the mafic and ultramatic rocks of the Cambro-Ordovician Highland Border Suite. The H- and O- isotopic compositions of these rocks record individual stages in a relatively complex 500 Myr old hydrothermal/metamorphic history. Lizardite serpentinites (δD ～ ? 105‰; δ¹⁸O ～ + 6.2‰) record a premetamorphic history and indicate that parent harzburgites, dunites, and pyroxenites were serpentinized through low-temperature interaction with meteoric waters during cooling. The other rocks of the Highland Border Suite record subsequent interaction with metamorphic fluids. Amphibolite facies hornblende schists were produced through thrust-related (dynamothermal) metamorphism of spilitic pillow lavas. During dehydration, D-enriched fluids were driven off from the spilites thus leaving the hornblende schists to equilibrate with a relatively D-depleted internal fluid reservoir (δD ～ ? 45‰). The expelled D-enriched fluids may have mixed with more typical Dalradian metamorphic waters which then exchanged with the remaining mafic rocks and lizardite serpentinites during greenschist facies regional metamorphism to produce antigorite serpentinites (δD ～ ? 62‰; δ¹⁸O ～ + 8‰) and greenschist metaspilites (δD ～ ? 57‰; δ¹⁸O ～ + 7.3‰) with similar H- and O-isotopic compositions. Serpentinites which have been only partially metamorphosed show intermediate H-isotopic compositions between that of metamorphic antigorite (δD ～ ? 62‰) and non-metamorphic lizardite δD ～ ? 105‰) end members.     

A Younger Dryas (Loch Lomond Stadial) jökulhlaup deposit, Fort Augustus, Scotland

This study provides an insight into the impact of probably the largest flood ever to have been identified in mainland Britain by examining new sedimentary evidence from the Auchteraw terrace, Fort Augustus, Scotland. Study of three sections reveals a succession consisting of: (1) sheet gravels; (2) large trough-shaped depressions infilled with cross-stratified sands and gravels; (3) smaller-scale, finer-grained cross-strata; and (4) sheet-like, occasionally channelized, bimodal sand and gravel beds. This study shows that both the sedimentology and morphology of the Auchteraw terrace are consistent with jökulhlaup deposition and reveal a greater variety of lithofacies types than identified in previous studies of jökulhlaups from ice-dammed lakes. The fine-grained nature of the sediment discussed in this study emphasizes the importance of sediment supply for the formation of distinctive jökulhlaup successions. The sedimentary evidence recorded here provides a valuable tool for the interpretation of the magnitude and frequency of proglacial meltwater flows associated with Pleistocene ice sheets worldwide.     

Quaternary of Scotland

Book reviewed in this article:
Price, Robert J. 1983: Scotland's Environment During the Last 30,000 years     

Crustal assimilation during turbulent magma ascent (ATA); new isotopic evidence from the Mull Tertiary lava succession,N. W. Scotland

Assimilation of crustal rocks with concomitant fractional crystallisation (AFC) is a well documented phenomenon in many igneous suites, but geochemical evidence from the Tertiary Mull lava succession suggests that in these magmas crustal contamination occurred by a distinctly different mechanism. Lavas from the lower half of the Mull Plateau group (MPG) can be divided into two broad sub-types; high (>8%) MgO basalts with elevated Ba and K; and lower MgO (<8%) basaltic-hawaiites with lower Ba and K. The lower crust and most of the upper crust beneath Mull is probably of Lewisian age. The Sr-, Nd-and Pb-isotope compositions of local Lewisian crustal samples yield the following ranges: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.71002–0.72348, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd=0.51045–0.51058 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=14.0–14.6. Ten lavas have also been analysed and yield the following ranges: ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr=0.7028–0.7042, ¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd=0.51214–0.51230 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb=15.1–17.9. However, within this range, it is predominantly the more primitive mafic compositions, with elevated Mg, Ba and K, that show the lowest Nd- and Pb-, and the highest Sr-isotope values. Modelling of these isotopic results, in conjunction with major and trace element data, show that: (1) contamination by Lewisian lower crustal material does occur; (2) that the process involved was not one of assimilation with concomitant fractional crystallisation (AFC). The proposed contamination process is one whereby the hottest (most MgO rich) magmas have assimilated acidic partial melts of Lewisian lower crust during turbulent ascent (ATA) through thin, poorly connected dyke- and sill-like magma chambers. The chemical composition of the contaminated lavas can be modelled successfully through addition of 5% acidic Lewisian crust to an uncontaminated lava. In contrast, the more evolved magmas — which probably fractionated at sub-crustal levels — were either not hot enough to molt significant amounts of crust, or did not ascend turbulently because of their higher viscosity, and so are less contaminated with crust.