A magnitude 2.9 earthquake, followed by at least six earth tremors, was recorded in western Scotland on Sunday, according to the British Geological Survey (BGS).

The 2.9 quake struck at 8:37 AM GMT at a depth of 11.6 km. The epicentre was located a few kilometres south of Lochailort, a hamlet that lies at the head of Loch Ailort. Three tremors were recorded on Sunday, measuring 1.4 (11:13 AM), 0.9 (11:16 AM) and 2.0 (18:24 AM) on the Richter Scale. A further three tremors were recorded by the BGS on Monday.

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© Google MapsLocation of 2.9 mag earthquake marked on Google Maps.
The BGS reported that the largest of the quakes was felt in Lochailort, Glenfinnan and Acharacle.

Reports received by the BGS included: "there was a bang, then a rumbling, almost like a distant explosion"; "rumble lasted for two or three seconds with a distinct thump"; and "it was the loudest and most severe we've witnessed since living here but thankfully the shortest".

This is the largest seismic event in the area since the magnitude 3.5 Glenuig earthquake on 23 January 2011, which was felt with a maximum intensity of 4 EMS. Historically, larger earthquakes have occurred in the region; a magnitude 3.6 event occurred on 14 October 1902 and a magnitude 3.2 occurred on 1 February 1809.