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Lewisian Gneiss

Lewisian Gneiss

Janette Currie writes about this 2.6 billion year old rock, which you'll find in the Beginnings gallery on Level -1.

The Old Boy

From the South he came. With eon-long steps
He strode,
Purposefully.
Setting down the basecourse,
Headed for Cape Wrath.

Erupting in fury, he
Rained icy torrents of fire and steam;
Collided with continents.

She rose to meet him,
Strength for strength;
A shimmer ‘gainst a spark.

Melding in undulating
Folds of white and pink,
He cleaved to the rock.

About the author

Janette Currie

Janette Currie is a literary consultant and writer/critic, mostly on contemporary literature and poetry. She organised an exhibition on James Hogg at the Writers’ Museum in Edinburgh in 2007.

“My writing bridges… academia and popular culture.”

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What are these links?

Lewisian gneiss

On display

  • Beginnings

Creation story

  • Lewisian Gneiss

About the author

  • Janette Currie's website

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National Museums Scotland, Scottish Charity, No. SC 011130