Gold mineralisation on a small scale is common throughout Scotland and can be found in what have been referred to as the Southern Gold Field, Central Gold Field and Northern Gold Field in the past (GFS Adamson).

 

The gold field boundaries approximate the major geological boundaries making up Scotland and the source of the gold is of mixed origin from volcanogenic epithermal to orogenic mesothermal lode deposits. The host rocks are associated  with the subduction and closing of the Iapetus ocean and the formation of the Caledonian Highlands around 400 million years ago.

 

Southern Gold Field

 

The Southern Gold Field comprises an area across the Southern Uplands  from just south of the Moffat area to Fife. It lies approximately South of the Highland Boundary Fault and north of the Iapetus Suture incorporating the Southern uplands fault complex.

 

Central Gold Field

 

This incorporates the area north of the Highland Boundary Fault and South of the Great Glen fault. The most prolific gold producing area being that around the Tyndrum area.