Ochil Fault

The deepest deposits of coal measures are obviously found in this region, but this has not been mined to its full extent, probably due to the great depth involved.

The minerals, including ores of silver and cobalt, were probably emplaced by hydrothermal solutions percolating upwards through various minor faults and fractures, in the Tertiary period.

The Ochil Fault remained active throughout geological time, and some later movements allowed intrusive eruptions of diorite or quartz-dolerite to rise at various places along its length.

Modern movements of the fault are very minor but occasionally give rise to discernible earthquakes,[2] particularly in the village of Menstrie, and the town of Tillicoultry.

However the latter may be easily confused with the collapse of old room and pillar coal mine workings which undoubtedly underlie the southern part of the town.