We thank A. Mukherjee for helpful comments on a draft of the article and for help with figure preparation.

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For many years the Neoproterozoic Dalradian rocks of Scotland have been considered one of the classic areas for studying structure and metamorphism, and have been the destination of numerous undergraduate field trips. Many people have learnt about different stages of deformation and fold facing by studying the Tay Nappe and other associated structures. Therefore it may come as some surprise to learn that the recent studies of the Dalradian have concentrated not on the structure and metamorphism, but instead on the sedimentology and basin evolution. Early sedimentary researchThe Dalradian Supergroup dominates the geology between the Great Glen Fault to the north and the High-Sedimentary structures in metamorphosed rocks -surely not? However, it's true, as recent work in the Highlands of Scotland can demonstrate.land Boundary Fault to the south and is split into four groups: the Grampian (oldest), Appin, Argyll and Southern Highland (youngest) (Fig. 1). All the groups have undergone deformation and metamorphism to varying degrees, but studies as early as 1955 by Sutton and Watson recognized that sedimentary features were clearly visible in parts. Early research, however, mainly centred on stratigraphy and using the sedimentary features as 'way up' markers to work out the succession and structures. It wasn't until Anderton (1979;1985) demonstrated that it may be possible to draw up basin models from the Dalradian -despite its Neoproterozoic age, deformation and metamorphism -that more detailed sedimentology began.