History of the Geological Survey in Scotland - Revision history

Scotfot: /* Field Staff */

2023-08-01T17:57:14Z

Field Staff

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	Towards the close of the century, large tracts of the Highlands had been surveyed but little or no attention had been paid to the islands. In the 1890s a start was made when A. Harker of Cambridge University was employed to map the volcanic rocks of south Skye and H. B. Woodward, a senior officer of the English Survey, was sent to map the Jurassic rocks of Skye and Raasay.		Towards the close of the century, large tracts of the Highlands had been surveyed but little or no attention had been paid to the islands. In the 1890s a start was made when A. Harker of Cambridge University was employed to map the volcanic rocks of south Skye and H. B. Woodward, a senior officer of the English Survey, was sent to map the Jurassic rocks of Skye and Raasay.

	Geikie retired from the post of Director-General in 1901. His abiding interest in Scottish geology had not waned. At this period he added two memoirs on Fife to the extensive list of books, memoirs and papers which had flowed from his pen.=== Second reorganisation ===		Geikie retired from the post of Director-General in 1901. His abiding interest in Scottish geology had not waned. At this period he added two memoirs on Fife to the extensive list of books, memoirs and papers which had flowed from his pen.

			=== Second reorganisation ===

	Two events, which more or less coincided with Geikie's retiral, had a profound effect on the future of the Survey. The first was that in 1901 another Royal Commission reviewed the national coal reserves. Unlike the first one, which had found that many of the coalfields had not been mapped, this one reported that the existing maps were seriously out of date. This situation had to be rectified. A change of policy was adopted which resulted in more than half the staff working in areas of economic importance. In Scotland work in the Highlands was confined to the summer months allowing a full scale revision of the coalfields to be started.		Two events, which more or less coincided with Geikie's retiral, had a profound effect on the future of the Survey. The first was that in 1901 another Royal Commission reviewed the national coal reserves. Unlike the first one, which had found that many of the coalfields had not been mapped, this one reported that the existing maps were seriously out of date. This situation had to be rectified. A change of policy was adopted which resulted in more than half the staff working in areas of economic importance. In Scotland work in the Highlands was confined to the summer months allowing a full scale revision of the coalfields to be started.

Scotfot: /* Petrography */

2022-08-07T22:22:33Z

Petrography

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	The history of early petrographical research on Scottish rocks by the Survey is obscure. In 1885 it is recorded that transparent thin sections of rocks were sent to London for microscopic investigation and 3 years later sections of English and Irish rocks were being made in Edinburgh. About this time some members of the Scottish field staff began to use petrological microscopes to identify the rocks from their mapping areas. This practice has continued to the present day and over the years many of the field geologists became recognised petrographers.		The history of early petrographical research on Scottish rocks by the Survey is obscure. In 1885 it is recorded that transparent thin sections of rocks were sent to London for microscopic investigation and 3 years later sections of English and Irish rocks were being made in Edinburgh. About this time some members of the Scottish field staff began to use petrological microscopes to identify the rocks from their mapping areas. This practice has continued to the present day and over the years many of the field geologists became recognised petrographers.

	Major petrographical studies on the rocks of various parts of Scotland were carried out by the Petrographer in London. Significant contributions to Scottish memoirs were made by Teall, Flett and H. H. Thomas, sometimes in conjunction with field geologists. It was not until 1935 that a geologist on the Scottish staff was appointed to supervise petrographical work in Scotland. In that year A. G. MacGregor, who had previously proposed a petrographical classification of the Scottish Carboniferous basalts, was selected for this task. He continued to serve in this role, in addition to his other duties, until he retired in 1959. In the following year R. W. Elliot was transferred from the London office to carry out petrographical duties in Scotland and remains in post, now supported by a staff of four. As well as supplying the field staff with identification of rocks, the work also involves dealing with rock aggregates for potential use as suitable road metal or for use in the production of concrete.== Accommodation ==		Major petrographical studies on the rocks of various parts of Scotland were carried out by the Petrographer in London. Significant contributions to Scottish memoirs were made by Teall, Flett and H. H. Thomas, sometimes in conjunction with field geologists. It was not until 1935 that a geologist on the Scottish staff was appointed to supervise petrographical work in Scotland. In that year A. G. MacGregor, who had previously proposed a petrographical classification of the Scottish Carboniferous basalts, was selected for this task. He continued to serve in this role, in addition to his other duties, until he retired in 1959. In the following year R. W. Elliot was transferred from the London office to carry out petrographical duties in Scotland and remains in post, now supported by a staff of four. As well as supplying the field staff with identification of rocks, the work also involves dealing with rock aggregates for potential use as suitable road metal or for use in the production of concrete.

			== Accommodation ==

	From 1854 to 1867 the geologists working in Scotland were based in London but visits there were infrequent. A. Geikie worked for 6 years before visiting headquarters. The staff worked from their various field quarters all the year round but there was a temporary store in Edinburgh for maps and specimens in the Industrial Museum of Scotland. The name of the museum was changed to that of Science and Art in 1864 and, 3 years later, when the Geological Survey of Scotland was formed, its office was in this Museum in Argyle Square. The property was demolished in 1869 to make way for the new museum building and the Survey moved to No. 1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, a building still in existence. This remained the office until 1879 when the staff moved across the George IV Bridge to accommodation in the Sheriff Court Buildings.		From 1854 to 1867 the geologists working in Scotland were based in London but visits there were infrequent. A. Geikie worked for 6 years before visiting headquarters. The staff worked from their various field quarters all the year round but there was a temporary store in Edinburgh for maps and specimens in the Industrial Museum of Scotland. The name of the museum was changed to that of Science and Art in 1864 and, 3 years later, when the Geological Survey of Scotland was formed, its office was in this Museum in Argyle Square. The property was demolished in 1869 to make way for the new museum building and the Survey moved to No. 1 India Buildings, Victoria Street, a building still in existence. This remained the office until 1879 when the staff moved across the George IV Bridge to accommodation in the Sheriff Court Buildings.

Scotfot: /* Petrography */

2022-08-07T22:22:05Z

Petrography

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	The plans for the new building had to provide for these units and also for the Continental Shelf Unit which occupied a building in the Government Training Centre at Granton from 1969. In 1968 it was planned that field staff working in the north of England would be based in the new Scottish headquarters but later, the space originally allocated to them was given to the Marine Geophysics Unit. This unit was formed in 1968 and moved from London to temporary quarters in Edinburgh in 1973, at first at 13 Braefoot Terrace and later overflowing to accommodation at 9 South St David's Street. At a later stage in the planning, accommodation was also provided for that part of the Computer Unit which moved in 1974 from London to temporary accommodation in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Regional Computing Centre and at King's Buildings. In addition, rooms had to be provided for staff of the Mineral Assessment Unit which started work in Scotland in 1974.		The plans for the new building had to provide for these units and also for the Continental Shelf Unit which occupied a building in the Government Training Centre at Granton from 1969. In 1968 it was planned that field staff working in the north of England would be based in the new Scottish headquarters but later, the space originally allocated to them was given to the Marine Geophysics Unit. This unit was formed in 1968 and moved from London to temporary quarters in Edinburgh in 1973, at first at 13 Braefoot Terrace and later overflowing to accommodation at 9 South St David's Street. At a later stage in the planning, accommodation was also provided for that part of the Computer Unit which moved in 1974 from London to temporary accommodation in Edinburgh at the Edinburgh Regional Computing Centre and at King's Buildings. In addition, rooms had to be provided for staff of the Mineral Assessment Unit which started work in Scotland in 1974.

	Increased office accommodation was provided at Grange Terrace in 1968 by converting part of the rock store into three rooms and later, staff were housed in temporary mobile offices in the grounds. Meanwhile plans for the new building were being prepared and in 1970 working drawings were almost complete. The Treasury gave permission in 1971 for work to commence and the building operation started in the autumn. For varying reasons the construction took longer than anticipated but the new building, named Murchison House in 1972, was almost finished in 1975. In the autumn of that year, staff of the Marine Geophysics Unit moved into the top level and they were followed by staff from South Oswald Road later in the year. Those working at Grange Terrace and Granton, however, did not move to Murchison House until 1976, when the Grange Terrace premises were made available for staff primarily engaged on projects related to hydrocarbon geology.== Sources ==		Increased office accommodation was provided at Grange Terrace in 1968 by converting part of the rock store into three rooms and later, staff were housed in temporary mobile offices in the grounds. Meanwhile plans for the new building were being prepared and in 1970 working drawings were almost complete. The Treasury gave permission in 1971 for work to commence and the building operation started in the autumn. For varying reasons the construction took longer than anticipated but the new building, named Murchison House in 1972, was almost finished in 1975. In the autumn of that year, staff of the Marine Geophysics Unit moved into the top level and they were followed by staff from South Oswald Road later in the year. Those working at Grange Terrace and Granton, however, did not move to Murchison House until 1976, when the Grange Terrace premises were made available for staff primarily engaged on projects related to hydrocarbon geology.

			== Sources ==

	The information from which this history has been compiled was drawn mainly from the published works and office records of the Survey and the two books, 'The First Hundred Years of the Geological Survey of Great Britain' by J. S. Flett (1937) and 'The Geological Survey of Great Britain' by E. B. Bailey (1952). The author is grateful to many of his Survey colleagues for information and help received.		The information from which this history has been compiled was drawn mainly from the published works and office records of the Survey and the two books, 'The First Hundred Years of the Geological Survey of Great Britain' by J. S. Flett (1937) and 'The Geological Survey of Great Britain' by E. B. Bailey (1952). The author is grateful to many of his Survey colleagues for information and help received.

Scotfot at 12:32, 3 June 2022

2022-06-03T12:32:22Z

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	Despite this application of man power, it was not possible to achieve the same rate of progress as had been made in the Lowlands. The nature of the terrain, the prevailing weather and the complexities of the rock types and structures made progress slow. Suffice it to say that there are still parts of the Highlands awaiting primary survey and some of the structural problems are not yet completely solved.		Despite this application of man power, it was not possible to achieve the same rate of progress as had been made in the Lowlands. The nature of the terrain, the prevailing weather and the complexities of the rock types and structures made progress slow. Suffice it to say that there are still parts of the Highlands awaiting primary survey and some of the structural problems are not yet completely solved.

	Although the initial mapping was in the Grampians, it was not long before part of the team was diverted to the North-West Highlands. The nature of the succession and structure of the rocks there had given rise to a controversy, dating from about 1860, between Murchison and Professor Nicol of Aberdeen. Professor Lapworth of Birmingham had also examined the problems and given his interpretation. Geikie considered that if the problem of the NW Highlands was resolved, the solution might be applicable to the difficulties being encountered farther south. To examine the evidence, he sent his most able men, Peach and ~~Home~~ who were joined later by Clough, Hinxman, Cadell and Gunn. By 1884 it was announced that Murchison's interpretation of a simple succession of strata was untenable. In agreement with Lapworth, it was shown that the uppermost rocks had been pushed many miles over the lower ones along a low-angled thrust fault. This fundamental discovery initiated a survey of the whole belt affected by this structure which stretches from Cape Wrath south to Skye. Subsequently this area, particularly the Assynt district, became a Mecca for visiting geologists from all over the world.		Although the initial mapping was in the Grampians, it was not long before part of the team was diverted to the North-West Highlands. The nature of the succession and structure of the rocks there had given rise to a controversy, dating from about 1860, between Murchison and Professor Nicol of Aberdeen. Professor Lapworth of Birmingham had also examined the problems and given his interpretation. Geikie considered that if the problem of the NW Highlands was resolved, the solution might be applicable to the difficulties being encountered farther south. To examine the evidence, he sent his most able men, Peach and Horne who were joined later by Clough, Hinxman, Cadell and Gunn. By 1884 it was announced that Murchison's interpretation of a simple succession of strata was untenable. In agreement with Lapworth, it was shown that the uppermost rocks had been pushed many miles over the lower ones along a low-angled thrust fault. This fundamental discovery initiated a survey of the whole belt affected by this structure which stretches from Cape Wrath south to Skye. Subsequently this area, particularly the Assynt district, became a Mecca for visiting geologists from all over the world.

	Considerable physical demands were made on the men engaged on this work. Much of the higher ground was deer forest and access to it was restricted to a short summer season between the time the snows melted and the shooting season began. Full advantage had to be taken of the long daylight hours of midsummer and much of the ground could only be reached on foot. During the 1880s there was a period of particularly bad summers in the Highlands. In 1886, in order to save time climbing before starting the day's work, a tent was pitched in a high corrie on Ben More Assynt. The experiment had to be abandoned however as drenching rain was continuous and the tent was blown down. The health of even the most seasoned campaigners suffered at this period. In 1887 Peach and ~~Home~~ did not do much field work as the former had sciatica and the latter suffered from what was described as inflammation. In 1889 Skae died aged 42, Dakyns suffered blindness from exposure and lost the sight of one eye and Miller was ill most of the year.		Considerable physical demands were made on the men engaged on this work. Much of the higher ground was deer forest and access to it was restricted to a short summer season between the time the snows melted and the shooting season began. Full advantage had to be taken of the long daylight hours of midsummer and much of the ground could only be reached on foot. During the 1880s there was a period of particularly bad summers in the Highlands. In 1886, in order to save time climbing before starting the day's work, a tent was pitched in a high corrie on Ben More Assynt. The experiment had to be abandoned however as drenching rain was continuous and the tent was blown down. The health of even the most seasoned campaigners suffered at this period. In 1887 Peach and Horne did not do much field work as the former had sciatica and the latter suffered from what was described as inflammation. In 1889 Skae died aged 42, Dakyns suffered blindness from exposure and lost the sight of one eye and Miller was ill most of the year.

	As work in the mountains was restricted to the summer, the field seasons were arranged so that lower ground was surveyed during spring and autumn. In addition to the Highland work, other demands on time were being made. Mining operations for oil-shale and coal had been providing much new information which showed that the original maps of Central Scotland were inaccurate in places. In 1892 Grant Wilson started to collect new coalfield information in Fife with a view to revising the map of the area.		As work in the mountains was restricted to the summer, the field seasons were arranged so that lower ground was surveyed during spring and autumn. In addition to the Highland work, other demands on time were being made. Mining operations for oil-shale and coal had been providing much new information which showed that the original maps of Central Scotland were inaccurate in places. In 1892 Grant Wilson started to collect new coalfield information in Fife with a view to revising the map of the area.

	The Southern Uplands presented an even more time-consuming problem. Subsequent to the first survey, which had been done very rapidly, Lapworth had established that graptolites held the key to deciphering the succession of the folded and faulted Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the region. A revision of the Survey's maps was required and between 1888 and 1898 Peach and ~~Home~~ resurveyed the area, the work being done mainly in winter months. Revised maps were published and the revision was summarised in a memoir which appeared in 1899, dealing with the whole region. This work behind them, Peach and ~~Home~~ then set about the description of the North-West Highlands. The resulting historic memoir was published in 1907, edited by Geikie in his retirement.		The Southern Uplands presented an even more time-consuming problem. Subsequent to the first survey, which had been done very rapidly, Lapworth had established that graptolites held the key to deciphering the succession of the folded and faulted Lower Palaeozoic rocks in the region. A revision of the Survey's maps was required and between 1888 and 1898 Peach and Horne resurveyed the area, the work being done mainly in winter months. Revised maps were published and the revision was summarised in a memoir which appeared in 1899, dealing with the whole region. This work behind them, Peach and Horne then set about the description of the North-West Highlands. The resulting historic memoir was published in 1907, edited by Geikie in his retirement.

	A new feature of memoirs of this period was the introduction of photographs illustrating geological features. These were the work of R. Lunn who had joined the staff as a boy porter, aged 14, in 1874. He was recruited because a man could not be found to act as porter for the annual salary of k27. Lunn was later promoted to General Assistant and in 1891 he started to take geological photographs in the field. Many of these became well known and prints from the original glass negatives are still in demand.		A new feature of memoirs of this period was the introduction of photographs illustrating geological features. These were the work of R. Lunn who had joined the staff as a boy porter, aged 14, in 1874. He was recruited because a man could not be found to act as porter for the annual salary of k27. Lunn was later promoted to General Assistant and in 1891 he started to take geological photographs in the field. Many of these became well known and prints from the original glass negatives are still in demand.
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	J. J. H. Teall succeeded Geikie in 1901 and instituted a programme of beneficial changes in organisation and policy. He insisted that the field staff return to headquarters in the winter and this resulted in their having more contact with senior officers and colleagues. He introduced colour printing of one-inch maps and caused the resumption of publication of 6-inch maps of selected areas. Numerous draughtsmen were recruited to prepare maps for publication. This freed the geologists from this task and gave them more time to write memoirs. Teall's aim was to publish the map and memoir of an area simultaneously and in some cases this was achieved.		J. J. H. Teall succeeded Geikie in 1901 and instituted a programme of beneficial changes in organisation and policy. He insisted that the field staff return to headquarters in the winter and this resulted in their having more contact with senior officers and colleagues. He introduced colour printing of one-inch maps and caused the resumption of publication of 6-inch maps of selected areas. Numerous draughtsmen were recruited to prepare maps for publication. This freed the geologists from this task and gave them more time to write memoirs. Teall's aim was to publish the map and memoir of an area simultaneously and in some cases this was achieved.

	In Scotland ~~Home~~ was made Assistant to the Director as he had been 'acting Director' since 1899 when Howell retired. Under him he had Peach and Gunn as the District Geologists. He encouraged them to tackle the widespread Highland areas still under survey so that maps and memoirs could be published in an organised manner. Peach retired in 1905 after 43 years service in a career which had taken him into nearly every part of Scotland and brought him world-wide recognition as an outstanding field geologist. By this time Clough and Hinxman were the District Geologists and the Scottish staff had been augmented by E. M. Anderson, E. B. Bailey, R. G. Carruthers, C. B. Cranipton, G. W. Grabham and H. B. Maufe.		In Scotland Horne was made Assistant to the Director as he had been 'acting Director' since 1899 when Howell retired. Under him he had Peach and Gunn as the District Geologists. He encouraged them to tackle the widespread Highland areas still under survey so that maps and memoirs could be published in an organised manner. Peach retired in 1905 after 43 years service in a career which had taken him into nearly every part of Scotland and brought him world-wide recognition as an outstanding field geologist. By this time Clough and Hinxman were the District Geologists and the Scottish staff had been augmented by E. M. Anderson, E. B. Bailey, R. G. Carruthers, C. B. Cranipton, G. W. Grabham and H. B. Maufe.

	Work in the Highlands and the Western Isles continued every summer and no less than 13 memoirs on Highland areas appeared during ~~Home~~'s term of office. A detailed revision of the coalfield areas commenced in 1902. In 1906 the first edition of the memoir on Scottish oil-shales was published, incorporating information gathered by Cade11 although he was no longer on the Survey staff. By 1910 revised maps and detailed memoirs had been published on the Edinburgh and East Lothian districts and the following year the first comprehensive account of the Glasgow area was issued.		Work in the Highlands and the Western Isles continued every summer and no less than 13 memoirs on Highland areas appeared during Horne's term of office. A detailed revision of the coalfield areas commenced in 1902. In 1906 the first edition of the memoir on Scottish oil-shales was published, incorporating information gathered by Cade11 although he was no longer on the Survey staff. By 1910 revised maps and detailed memoirs had been published on the Edinburgh and East Lothian districts and the following year the first comprehensive account of the Glasgow area was issued.

	Horne retired in 1911, the last serving member of the team which had mapped the south of Scotland and had begun on the Highlands. He was replaced by J. S. Flett as Assistant Director in Scotland. Flett, an Orcadian, had taken medical and natural history degrees at Edinburgh, having studied geology under J. Geikie. He lectured on geology at Edinburgh before joining the Survey as Petrographer in London in 1901. His forceful personality ensured that work in Scotland progressed rapidly and in an orderly fashion. Resignations and retirals had reduced the staff but the deficit was made up by C. H. Dinham, M. Macgregor, J. E. Richey, H. H. Read and G. V. Wilson being recruited between 1909 and 1914.		Horne retired in 1911, the last serving member of the team which had mapped the south of Scotland and had begun on the Highlands. He was replaced by J. S. Flett as Assistant Director in Scotland. Flett, an Orcadian, had taken medical and natural history degrees at Edinburgh, having studied geology under J. Geikie. He lectured on geology at Edinburgh before joining the Survey as Petrographer in London in 1901. His forceful personality ensured that work in Scotland progressed rapidly and in an orderly fashion. Resignations and retirals had reduced the staff but the deficit was made up by C. H. Dinham, M. Macgregor, J. E. Richey, H. H. Read and G. V. Wilson being recruited between 1909 and 1914.

Scotfot: /* 1939-1945 */

2022-06-03T12:29:35Z

1939-1945

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	In 1939 Lowland field work was concentrated to the west of Glasgow, in Fife, the Lothians and the Kelso area while north Skye and the Mallaig district were under survey in the summer season. At the outbreak of war this programme was superseded by one devoted to matters of economic or strategic importance. The staff were placed in a reserved occupation and not allowed to join the armed forces.		In 1939 Lowland field work was concentrated to the west of Glasgow, in Fife, the Lothians and the Kelso area while north Skye and the Mallaig district were under survey in the summer season. At the outbreak of war this programme was superseded by one devoted to matters of economic or strategic importance. The staff were placed in a reserved occupation and not allowed to join the armed forces.

	Work in the coalfields was intensified and particular attention was paid to areas where coal could be worked by opencast methods. A search for minerals in short supply was carried out and deposits of potash and mica were discovered, assessed and exploited, the latter material being of great importance in aircraft production. There was also an intensive investigation into the resources of baryte, chromite, diatomite, dolomite, peat, limestone, brick clay, sand and gravel, etc. Reports on the reserves of such materials were published in 36 Wartime Pamphlets and in addition 8 reports on the underground water resources of various districts were issued. Enquiries regarding sites for hydroelectric schemes and numerous small matters related to the war effort were also dealt with.=== The post-war years ===		Work in the coalfields was intensified and particular attention was paid to areas where coal could be worked by opencast methods. A search for minerals in short supply was carried out and deposits of potash and mica were discovered, assessed and exploited, the latter material being of great importance in aircraft production. There was also an intensive investigation into the resources of baryte, chromite, diatomite, dolomite, peat, limestone, brick clay, sand and gravel, etc. Reports on the reserves of such materials were published in 36 Wartime Pamphlets and in addition 8 reports on the underground water resources of various districts were issued. Enquiries regarding sites for hydroelectric schemes and numerous small matters related to the war effort were also dealt with.

			=== The post-war years ===

	In the period immediately after the Second World War sweeping changes affected the staff in Scotland. M. Macgregor, Richey and Wilson retired, T. H. Whitehead became Assistant Director and A. G. MacGregor and Simpson were promoted to be the District Geologists. Allan resigned to become the Geologist to the newly formed National Coal Board and J. G. C. Anderson and Kennedy left to become professors at Cardiff and Leeds respectively. By 1949 only 4 of the pre-war staff were in post in Scotland and of these Lawrie was seconded to help form a geological survey in Travancore, India.		In the period immediately after the Second World War sweeping changes affected the staff in Scotland. M. Macgregor, Richey and Wilson retired, T. H. Whitehead became Assistant Director and A. G. MacGregor and Simpson were promoted to be the District Geologists. Allan resigned to become the Geologist to the newly formed National Coal Board and J. G. C. Anderson and Kennedy left to become professors at Cardiff and Leeds respectively. By 1949 only 4 of the pre-war staff were in post in Scotland and of these Lawrie was seconded to help form a geological survey in Travancore, India.

Scotfot: /* Between the Wars */

2022-06-03T12:28:56Z

Between the Wars

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	J. G. C. Anderson was recruited in 1937 and T. R. M. Lawrie was transferred from England in 1939.		J. G. C. Anderson was recruited in 1937 and T. R. M. Lawrie was transferred from England in 1939.

	The long-awaited opening of the new headquarters office and museum in South Kensington took place in 1935. In the new museum, a series of exhibits was set out illustrating the geology of the various regions of the country. Scotland was divided into 5 regions and guides to them were written and published in 1935 or the following year. Scottish staff were involved in the preparation of the exhibits and in 1934 Kennedy, A. G. MacGregor and Phemister were engaged on this task. Phemister, who had taken part in early geophysical work by the Survey between 1926 and 1931, was transferred to London in 1935 to be Chief Petrographer. In 1936 A. G. MacGregor spent 4 months in Montserrat and Martinique, in the West Indies, investigating recent volcanic activity on behalf of the Colonial Office.=== 1939-1945 ===		The long-awaited opening of the new headquarters office and museum in South Kensington took place in 1935. In the new museum, a series of exhibits was set out illustrating the geology of the various regions of the country. Scotland was divided into 5 regions and guides to them were written and published in 1935 or the following year. Scottish staff were involved in the preparation of the exhibits and in 1934 Kennedy, A. G. MacGregor and Phemister were engaged on this task. Phemister, who had taken part in early geophysical work by the Survey between 1926 and 1931, was transferred to London in 1935 to be Chief Petrographer. In 1936 A. G. MacGregor spent 4 months in Montserrat and Martinique, in the West Indies, investigating recent volcanic activity on behalf of the Colonial Office.

			=== 1939-1945 ===

	In 1939 Lowland field work was concentrated to the west of Glasgow, in Fife, the Lothians and the Kelso area while north Skye and the Mallaig district were under survey in the summer season. At the outbreak of war this programme was superseded by one devoted to matters of economic or strategic importance. The staff were placed in a reserved occupation and not allowed to join the armed forces.		In 1939 Lowland field work was concentrated to the west of Glasgow, in Fife, the Lothians and the Kelso area while north Skye and the Mallaig district were under survey in the summer season. At the outbreak of war this programme was superseded by one devoted to matters of economic or strategic importance. The staff were placed in a reserved occupation and not allowed to join the armed forces.
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	In 1954 Simpson retired and was replaced by G. H. Mitchell as District Geologist of the South Lowlands Unit. In 1957 Lawrie was promoted to District Geologist of the Highlands and Islands district. This brought the number of District Geologists in Edinburgh up to 3, a repetition of the situation which had existed for a few years in the 1920s. In the following year Knox retired and supervision of the North Lowlands district passed to J. R. Earp.		In 1954 Simpson retired and was replaced by G. H. Mitchell as District Geologist of the South Lowlands Unit. In 1957 Lawrie was promoted to District Geologist of the Highlands and Islands district. This brought the number of District Geologists in Edinburgh up to 3, a repetition of the situation which had existed for a few years in the 1920s. In the following year Knox retired and supervision of the North Lowlands district passed to J. R. Earp.

	In 1959 Mitchell succeeded MacGregor as Assistant Director and R. A. Eden took charge of the South Lowlands Unit. In 1963 Earp returned to England, Lawrie was transferred to the North Lowlands Unit and Johnstone became the District Geologist for the Highlands and Islands. In recent times, J. A. Robbie was transferred from Northern Ireland in 1967 to become Assistant Director on Mitchell's retirement. Since then, the Assistant Director in		In 1959 Mitchell succeeded MacGregor as Assistant Director and R. A. Eden took charge of the South Lowlands Unit. In 1963 Earp returned to England, Lawrie was transferred to the North Lowlands Unit and Johnstone became the District Geologist for the Highlands and Islands. In recent times, J. A. Robbie was transferred from Northern Ireland in 1967 to become Assistant Director on Mitchell's retirement. Since then, the Assistant Director in Scotland has been administratively responsible for staff in Northern Ireland.

	Scotland has been administratively responsible for staff in Northern Ireland.

	Robbie retired in 1975 and Eden was promoted to Assistant Director. Lumsden replaced Eden in 1970 when the latter was transferred to Continental Shelf work and E. G. Poole succeeded Lawrie in 1973. All through the 1960s to the present there have been numerous minor changes of staff but the net result has been a gradual increase in numbers of the field staff to meet the ever growing commitments.		Robbie retired in 1975 and Eden was promoted to Assistant Director. Lumsden replaced Eden in 1970 when the latter was transferred to Continental Shelf work and E. G. Poole succeeded Lawrie in 1973. All through the 1960s to the present there have been numerous minor changes of staff but the net result has been a gradual increase in numbers of the field staff to meet the ever growing commitments.

Scotfot at 12:33, 8 February 2022

2022-02-08T12:33:34Z

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	From 1960 to the present the field staff in Scotland have continued to pursue their primary commitment of keeping the geological maps of the country up to date and publishing descriptive matter on the geology. In the South Lowlands district, published works include a map and memoir of the Langholm area and new maps and descriptive papers concerning large parts of Ayrshire, the Douglas, Muirkirk and Sanquhar coalfields. Revision mapping of East Lothian and Berwickshire has also been completed. In the North Lowlands area, large parts of Fife, Perthshire, Kinross and the Central Coalfield have been mapped and memoirs and numerous papers have been published. The Highlands and Islands Unit has continued the primary survey in the Great Glen area but difficulty of access and short field seasons, in addition to other commitments, have hindered progress. The Elgin district was surveyed in 3 years and a descriptive memoir published. The geology of the Shetlands was revised and work on the Outer Hebrides is in progress.		From 1960 to the present the field staff in Scotland have continued to pursue their primary commitment of keeping the geological maps of the country up to date and publishing descriptive matter on the geology. In the South Lowlands district, published works include a map and memoir of the Langholm area and new maps and descriptive papers concerning large parts of Ayrshire, the Douglas, Muirkirk and Sanquhar coalfields. Revision mapping of East Lothian and Berwickshire has also been completed. In the North Lowlands area, large parts of Fife, Perthshire, Kinross and the Central Coalfield have been mapped and memoirs and numerous papers have been published. The Highlands and Islands Unit has continued the primary survey in the Great Glen area but difficulty of access and short field seasons, in addition to other commitments, have hindered progress. The Elgin district was surveyed in 3 years and a descriptive memoir published. The geology of the Shetlands was revised and work on the Outer Hebrides is in progress.

	In recent years the time spent by the staff on advisory work, both for the government and public, and in the collation of new information from boreholes and excavations, has increased steadily. Although these activities reduce the time available for normal mapping programmes, the information gained adds appreciably to the accuracy of future maps as has been shown throughout the history of the Survey. Staff members have acted in an advisory capacity on such projects as sites for dams, reservoirs, power stations, underground storage, major sewage schemes, new towns and buildings of all kinds, quarries, tunnels and routes for major roads and pipe lines. Throughout the last 120 years, the demands on the experience and accumulated information of the Geological Survey in Scotland have never been greater than at the present time.== Palaeontology ==		In recent years the time spent by the staff on advisory work, both for the government and public, and in the collation of new information from boreholes and excavations, has increased steadily. Although these activities reduce the time available for normal mapping programmes, the information gained adds appreciably to the accuracy of future maps as has been shown throughout the history of the Survey. Staff members have acted in an advisory capacity on such projects as sites for dams, reservoirs, power stations, underground storage, major sewage schemes, new towns and buildings of all kinds, quarries, tunnels and routes for major roads and pipe lines. Throughout the last 120 years, the demands on the experience and accumulated information of the Geological Survey in Scotland have never been greater than at the present time.

			== Palaeontology ==

	The services of palaeontologists were called upon almost from the start of the Survey in Scotland. In 1858 J. W. Salter, the Palaeontologist in London, visited East Lothian and Fife to study the fossils and help with the correlation of the Carboniferous strata. In the Edinburgh District Memoir of 1861 he contributed a list of Silurian and Carboniferous fossils found in the area. Up to 1871 palaeontological work was based in London and crates of specimens were sent there for identification. In that year R. Etheridge jun. was appointed to deal with such matters in Scotland because A. Geikie had asked for speedier service in this field. Etheridge jun. worked in the Edinburgh office for 7 years during which time he did an amazing amount of work on Silurian and Carboniferous fossils. He supplied lists of fossils for publication in memoirs and described numerous new species in a great many papers. The specimens he studied were collected mainly by J. Bennie and A. Macconochie, the official Fossil Collectors, both of whom made many significant discoveries during their careers. Etheridge jun. resigned in 1878, eventually becoming Director of the Australian Museum.		The services of palaeontologists were called upon almost from the start of the Survey in Scotland. In 1858 J. W. Salter, the Palaeontologist in London, visited East Lothian and Fife to study the fossils and help with the correlation of the Carboniferous strata. In the Edinburgh District Memoir of 1861 he contributed a list of Silurian and Carboniferous fossils found in the area. Up to 1871 palaeontological work was based in London and crates of specimens were sent there for identification. In that year R. Etheridge jun. was appointed to deal with such matters in Scotland because A. Geikie had asked for speedier service in this field. Etheridge jun. worked in the Edinburgh office for 7 years during which time he did an amazing amount of work on Silurian and Carboniferous fossils. He supplied lists of fossils for publication in memoirs and described numerous new species in a great many papers. The specimens he studied were collected mainly by J. Bennie and A. Macconochie, the official Fossil Collectors, both of whom made many significant discoveries during their careers. Etheridge jun. resigned in 1878, eventually becoming Director of the Australian Museum.

Scotfot: /* Introduction */

2019-10-07T12:28:11Z

Introduction

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	=== Introduction ===		=== Introduction ===

	The Geological Survey of Great Britain has its origins in the early work of the Ordnance Survey and in the research of eminent members of the Geological Society of London. In the early part of the 19th century accurate maps of the British Isles were being produced by the Ordnance Survey. In some areas the surveyors coloured their maps to depict the boundaries of the various rock formations observed, but the geology thus shown was of a very general nature. The value of accurate geological information was becoming apparent not only as a basis for research but as an aid in assessing the national mineral wealth and in formulating land utilisation policies. Consequently in 1835 the Geological Survey of Great Britain was established by the government for the purpose of producing geological maps of the country to be based on the Ordnance Survey maps as they became available. At the same time it was expected that accompanying memoirs would be published explaining in detail the geology shown on the maps.== Field Staff ==		The Geological Survey of Great Britain has its origins in the early work of the Ordnance Survey and in the research of eminent members of the Geological Society of London. In the early part of the 19th century accurate maps of the British Isles were being produced by the Ordnance Survey. In some areas the surveyors coloured their maps to depict the boundaries of the various rock formations observed, but the geology thus shown was of a very general nature. The value of accurate geological information was becoming apparent not only as a basis for research but as an aid in assessing the national mineral wealth and in formulating land utilisation policies. Consequently in 1835 the Geological Survey of Great Britain was established by the government for the purpose of producing geological maps of the country to be based on the Ordnance Survey maps as they became available. At the same time it was expected that accompanying memoirs would be published explaining in detail the geology shown on the maps.

			== Field Staff ==

	=== The early years ===		=== The early years ===

Scotfot: Created page with "'''From: Wilson, R.B. A history of the Geological Survey in Scotland. NERC, IGS, 1977.''' File:WilsonHistory_01.jpg|thumbnail|Front cover. From: Wilson, R.B. A history of t..."

2019-09-30T08:36:38Z

Created page with "'''From: Wilson, R.B. A history of the Geological Survey in Scotland. NERC, IGS, 1977.''' File:WilsonHistory_01.jpg|thumbnail|Front cover. From: Wilson, R.B. A history of t..."

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