Geology of Skye with the development of an ice cap centred on the Cuillin and Red Hills. The main ice sheet that flowed westwards from the Scottish mainland was diverted around this upland area. The island is covered by large areas of glacial till, left behind when the ice melted. Geology of Skye The geology of Skye in Scotland is highly variable and the island's landscape reflects changes in the underlying nature of the rocks. A wide range of rock types are exposed on the island, sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous, ranging in age from the Archaean through to the Quaternary. The oldest rocks
Cuillin ensure its protection from inappropriate development. The areas protected by the designation are considered to represent the type of scenic beauty "popularly associated with Scotland and for which it is renowned". The "Cuillin Hills National Scenic Area" covers 22,726 ha, of which 27,320 ha is on land, with a further 4594 ha being marine (i.e. below low tide level). Due to the rocky nature of the Cuillin they have historically been of little use for agriculture: this contrasts with the majority of the highlands, where the hills were used to provide seasonal grazing for cattle and sheep. Despite the lack