Jurassic Sandstone

On a first introduction to amazing geology

In April 2024 I made the long journey with Dave Tolcher, Guy Aubertin and Joe Cornish to Eigg. It was to become a place I grew to love over two full weeks of photography that year. For many it is the view to Rùm that is the draw – but not me. The geology is extraordinary – a mixture of Jurassic sandstones and volcanic lavas.

After the long drive and ferry journey we all headed onto the beach – Bay of Laig – for a first evening session. I made a quick image of Rùm to get it out of my system, then concentrated on the geology. The first main image showed the underlying Valtos Sandstone eroded by the waves into wonderful-looking fins, amplified by the late evening light. The dark volcanic sand in the hollows is coloured blue by the sky above.

The second image was found a short while later – my first Eigg concretion, with honeycomb weathering catching the last light of the day. A tighter composition with a longer lens across a wider image Joe was making – a habit I have been guilty of for more than 15 years at that point! More on that on another day.

For 13 more days that year I was to have the privilege to explore the island and find images working the unique geology. Truly days to remember.