The Ballachulish Igneous Complex and Aureole in the southwestern highlands of Scotland is one of the world's most comprehensively studied plutonic-metamorphic systems. It has received this attention because it represents a relatively simple intrusive complex emplaced in host rocks showing a wide range if lithologies, leading to a great diversity of products of contact metamorphism. In addition, the area is easily accessible and the exposure generally very good.
This guide has been prepared to encourage examination of the excellent exposures of the igneous complex and aureole. Itineraries for five days of field excursions have been prepared, with an emphasis on petrological aspects, and are given in the second half of the book. The first half provides an overview of the main features of the igneous complex, host rocks, and aureole. A colour fold-out map in the back provides a summary of the main features of this complex.