THE ISLE of Arran is named in the top 10 list of UK coastal destinations for users of a popular geology app. 

Based on use of the iGeology app, the British Geological Survey (BGS) has identified their top 10 most popular coastal destinations in Great Britain. And Arran has been ranked number nine.

John Bruce Councillor for Ardrossan and Arran, said that he was “delighted”, adding that it was “no real surprise to learn that the Isle of Arran features in the top ten geology destinations” given its “unique accessibility of the rock formations around its coastline”.

He added: “Corrie in particular welcomes annual visitations of hundreds of 'the jollies' – students from universities and colleges across the UK. The identifiable rock strata along the shore is an open classroom for instruction in all weathers.

“At Laggan, on the north coast of Arran, there is the first discovered formation of rocks named by Hutton as an 'unconformity' which helped to prove that the Earth was very much older than scientists thought at that time.

“The island is rightly recognised for its major contribution to the science of geology. Arran has also been listed by Trivago as the number one island tourist destination this year.”

Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Place, said: “Arran has so much to offer. It is an absolutely stunning location, brilliant for families, golfers, walkers and couples just looking to get away from the hurly burly of life on the mainland.

“Most people already know that anyway. But perhaps people aren’t as aware that Arran is a world class geological location that possesses a superb range of rocks. So it’s no surprise to me that it’s rated in the top 10 of UK coastal destinations by the BGS.

“With the Road Equivalent Tarriff now established, I’ve no doubt more and more geologists, along with many others, will pay the island a visit. We are very lucky to have such a great destination on our doorsteps.”

With the latest version of the iGeology app, users can identify exactly what rocks they are looking at and get the full information on their geology from the data-banks at the BGS.

Since its launch in late 2010, the app has been downloaded over 285,000 times. It can access all of the BGS 1:50,000 geological maps on a smart phone or tablet. Using the GPS built-in to the device the app, which works in the same way as Google Earth, locates where you are and displays the geology underneath your feet.