In 1971, as a newly qualified geologist, Willoughby resident Dick Merriman was given “a dream start to his career”.

He was chosen to be part of a team that would land on the uninhabited islet of Rockall, with the purpose of attaching a flashing navigation beacon to the rock. He also spent time on the islet over a 10 day period taking samples and making maps.

Rockall is 100ft wide and 70ft high! (Photo credit: Flickr Irish Defence Forces https://tinyurl.com/87gds6 |

Whilst he was there, he also made an interesting discovery. To find out what it was, you can read Dick’s full article of his memories of that time on the BGS website.