A new stratigraphic framework for the early Neoproterozoic successions of Scotland

The circum-North Atlantic region archives three major late-Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic tectonic episodes, the Grenville–Sveconorwegian and Renlandian orogenies followed by rifting formation of Iapetus Ocean, each is bracketed sedimentary successions that define megasequences. In this context, we summarize sedimentological geochronological data propose a new stratigraphic framework for iconic Torridonian–Moine related units in Scotland. Iona, Sleat, Torridon Morar groups Scottish mainland Inner Hebrides, Westing, Sand Voe Yell Sound Shetland, form newly named Wester Ross Supergroup. They were deposited c. 1000–950 Ma within foreland basin Grenville Orogen and, collectively, are Megasequence 1. Some these record orogenesis at 960–920 Ma. Loch Ness Supergroup consists Glenfinnan, Eil Badenoch mainland, 900–870 assigned 2. These Knoydartian 820–725 regionally extensive Dalradian belongs 3; it was <725–500 records opening ultimately leading deposition passive margin Cambrian–Ordovician Ardvreck Durness groups.