Gold occurrences and history of gold exploration in Scotland by Dr Taija Torvela

This online talk by Dr Taija Torvela takes you on a 200-year journey on gold exploration in Scotland. Gold occurrences in Scotland are widespread and have been well known for centuries. Most gold was found in stream sediments but some gold and silver were also extracted as by-products from mining of other ores, particularly lead. The NW Highlands even experienced its very own "gold rush" in 1869, following the spread of the news that gold had been found in stream sediments near Helmsdale. However, it seems no serious exploration for gold took place: despite some enthusiastic advocates for gold exploration in Scotland the overall consensus in the 19th century was that Scottish gold occurrences were too small to be worth the effort when the deposits in the colonies were much richer and very profitable. Economically potentially viable hard-rock sources for gold were not found until renewed exploration activity in the late 20th century, driven partly by exploration companies and partly by the British Geological Survey, eventually leading into the opening of Scotland's first gold mine near Tyndrum in 2020.

[@Englishprospector]

Amazing tslk being a gold prospector in the uk this is extremely helpful so thank you

[@LoganGrom]

I have seen some in the highlands in rural untouched streams im going up this weekend to take it all lol

[@colroith]

Brilliant show, I'm so interested in the history and geological layout of my beautiful country SCOTLAND.... Thank you...

[@zeeshanulhassanabbasi6010]

Nice Sharing. Wonderful Talk.

[@jamesalexanderhyett6631]

I really enjoyed your presentation. Thank you. 🤘

[@AurProspector]

Excellent vid thanks

[@pstanyer1]

There seems to be a star very low down near the solway first around Annan area. Ive never heard of gold in that area. I would be interested to hear any research on anything that close to the solway.

[@GCStalker]

Glen Clova fault gouge at Burn of Fleurs SE of Ben Tirran.

[@frederickbowdler8169]

why has gold not been exploited in the past in Scotland?

[@pattywickson9046]

Because the queen owns the gold.

[@quemalcy]

it has.. do some research . even today there is a gold mine.. all about economics ..

[@johnhay1377]

Have you got a KZbin channel? I’m from Aberdeenshire and loved watching that 40 min video thanks

[@ourmetallicearth]

I do have a Channel now! Our Metallic Earth kzbin.info/door/TZ6Brdj1oibftxbJKcIisQ

[@AuProspecting-Scotland]

@Scottish Geology Trust can anyone pan for gold in any of scotland streams and rivers ?

[@scottishgeologytrust]

It depends on where you are panning. You need to check the regulations for that area and gain permission from the landowner/ owner of the mineral rights for that land. Some places require a license (Wanlockhead, Kildonan), others (like Crown Estates) ban recreational gold panning completely (www.crownestatescotland.com/resources/documents/crown-estate-scotland-statement-on-recreational-gold-panning). If you are panning you need to be careful not to damage river beds, or pan when fish are spawning (www.sepa.org.uk/media/219101/national-gold-panning-position-and-good-practice.pdf) Hope that helps!

[@AuProspecting-Scotland]

@@scottishgeologytrust It does thank you for responding.

[@MarkOfArgyll]

I can say with 100% certainty that there is gold near Dunoon, Argyll. Although if I'm completely honest I don't think a couple of fly poop sized bits count, do they? 🤣My own investigations continue though!

[@keriannlemmonds1567]

promosm

[@Isagorn1]

ILL add that i found Electrum and found Dendritic gold at Tyndrum as far as i know not found by any of the open university geologists . But biggy hint a guy from Birmingham hitchiked up with just a haversack and went up the Corornish came back after two days with jar of nuggets