18. Abercorn Point near Hopetoun House, by South Queensferry
Abercorn Point is at the west end of the Hopetoun Foreshore Geology Walk. Good examples of cross-bedded sandstone can be seen on the foreshore.
A prominent large rounded boulder of igneous rock, probably dolerite, sits on Abercorn Point. This rock is quite different in size and origin from those which are native to the area and upon which it rests. It was carried here by glacial ice, possibly over a distance of many kilometres, from one of the outcrops of this rock that lie to the west. It simply dropped to the ground when the ice melted and is known as a glacial erratic.
The shoreline from Society East Shore westwards to Abercorn Point (sites 14-18) displays a reasonably well exposed, gently-folded section of rocks from the middle part of the Carboniferous Period (around 330 million years ago). Sixteen individual exposures have been recorded within this section. Society East Shore is part of the Hopetoun Foreshore Geology Walk and a separate leaflet is available: Hopetoun Foreshore Geology Walk (PDF, 559 KB)(opens new window).
The site is close to Hopetoun House and parking is available at the small rural car park east of Society Cottages at Society Point. The area is accessible from minor roads and by National Cycle Route 76 that goes around the Firth. There is public transport to South Queensferry and Dalmeny Station, with a walk of 3-4 km along quiet roads. Nearby sites are Hopetoun Shore (17) and Midhope Burn (19).
