Geology and petroleum prospectivity of the Sea of Hebrides Basin and Minch Basin, offshore NW Scotland

The Sea of Hebrides Basin and Minch are late Paleozoic–Mesozoic rift basins located to the NW Scottish mainland. were target small-scale petroleum exploration from 1960s early 1990s, with a total three wells drilled within two between 1989 1991. Although no commercially viable discoveries made, numerous shows identified both basins, including gas show Upper Glen 1 well in Lower Jurassic limestones. Organic-rich shales have been throughout succession Basin, one Middle (Bajocian–Bathonian) shale exhibiting organic carbon content up 15 wt%. focus this study is review historical these evaluate whether conclusions drawn 1990s lack prospectivity remains case. This was undertaken by analysis seismic reflection data, gravity aeromagnetic sedimentological data onshore offshore wells, boreholes previously published studies. key findings our suggest that there low probability sized accumulations either or Basin. Ineffective source rocks, likely be due maturities (due burial) fact encountered Permian–Triassic reservoirs poor quality (low porosity permeability), has led interpretation future being high risk, any potential small size. While unlikely basin, applying knowledge obtained could provide additional datasets insight into other NE Atlantic margin such as Rockall Trough Faroe–Shetland