Residents across parts of Scotland were left startled last night after three minor earthquakes struck within minutes of each other. The tremors, which reached magnitudes between 2.1 and 3.5, were recorded in the Grampian region, with reports of homes shaking and windows rattling.
What Happened
According to the British Geological Survey (BGS), the first quake struck just after 10:40 p.m., followed by two smaller aftershocks within a span of six minutes. The epicenter was located near the town of Huntly in Aberdeenshire, at a shallow depth of around 5km.
Residents described hearing a loud “explosion” before feeling the ground tremble. Social media quickly filled with posts from locals asking if anyone else had felt it. One user wrote, “It felt like a truck hit the house — everything shook for a few seconds.”
No Major Damage Reported
Fortunately, emergency services confirmed there were no injuries or major structural damage. However, several households reported minor cracks in walls and displaced items. Local councils have been assessing potential risks, especially in older stone buildings.
Experts from the BGS noted that while such quakes are uncommon in the region, Scotland typically experiences 15–20 minor earthquakes a year due to natural movement in ancient fault lines.
Why Scotland Gets Quakes
The UK sits far from active tectonic plate boundaries, but the pressure accumulated over millions of years occasionally causes small tremors. These are generally harmless but can be felt strongly when close to the surface.
Dr. Calum Robertson, a seismologist with the BGS, explained: “The area near Huntly has a history of light seismic activity. While these quakes are not dangerous, they remind us that even stable regions like the UK are not completely free of tectonic energy.”
Residents React
Despite no serious impact, the event has become a talking point across Scotland. Some residents humorously nicknamed it the “Scottish Shake”, while others expressed concern about the unpredictability of such events. Many praised local authorities for responding swiftly and reassuring the public.
The BGS continues to monitor the area and has installed additional sensors to track aftershocks.
