Caves at Clashach Cove

The main focus of this image is of Clashach Cove near to Hopeman, Moray, Grampian, Scotland. The most prominent features we can see are the layered sandstone which is cut in two by a normal cataclasite fault. On the right hand side of the fault we see a very interesting layering system where the lower section has smooth layers which are almost horizontal. On top of this sit much more defined layers which have a definite upwards slope. Under these is the entrance to a large cave. On the left hand side, on the footwall of the fault, we see the entrance to a much smaller cave. On top of the cave structure are whin, or gorse, bushes. This area is also the 12th hole of the nearby golf course, and the par 3 hole has been named The Prieshach. These rocks are pale yellow, buff, non calcareous medium grained New Red Sandstone of the Permian period. They were once sand dunes and are analogous to an offshore setting in the North Sea. The sky is pale blue with puffy white clouds. Photographed on a beach walk from Hopeman to Lossiemouth, Moray, Grampian, Scotland