Our coast's geological and glacial inheritance
Scotland has a diverse geology and this is reflected in variations in the form of the coastline. Generally, much of Scotland's north and west coasts is dominated by hard, ancient strata, whereas the south and east coasts are composed of younger and weaker rocks.
The Ice Age glaciations also emphasised these geological differences. The highly indented western coastline reflects glacial deepening of pre-existing valleys that were later drowned by rising sea levels to form fjords. Glacial erosion was less intense in the east, although deep basins were excavated in the Firth of Forth and Cromarty Firth.
In contrast to the west, glacial deposition was widespread in the east and the sediment was reworked by the waves and wind to form extensive beaches, dune fields and coastal forelands such as Tentsmuir and Morrich More.
These geological and glacial factors have been further influenced by sea-level changes and differences in wave climates to form the present coast of Scotland.