EDINBURGH, December 31 (TNF): Scotland recorded the strongest onshore earthquakes in the United Kingdom in 2025, with two powerful tremors striking near Loch Lyon in Perth and Kinross, according to newly released data from the British Geological Survey.
The earthquakes occurred on October 20 and were recorded just hours apart. The first measured a magnitude of 3.7, followed shortly by a second tremor of magnitude 3.6. These events were the most powerful onshore earthquakes registered anywhere in the UK this year.
Seismologists at the British Geological Survey confirmed that at least 198 people reported feeling the tremors. Some residents felt the shaking as far as 60 kilometres away from the epicentre, underlining the strength of the seismic activity in the region.
Local residents described dramatic experiences. One person said the movement felt like “an underground subway” passing beneath their home. Another said the house shook strongly and windows rattled during the tremor. Reports such as these were collected by the BGS through its public “felt report” system, which helps scientists assess the real-world impact of seismic events.
The Loch Lyon earthquakes were part of a wider pattern of seismic activity across the country. According to the BGS, a total of 309 earthquakes were recorded across the UK up to December 18. While most of these were minor and went unnoticed, the Perthshire events stood out due to their strength and the number of people who felt them.
The data also revealed that the Loch Lyon area experienced sustained seismic movement in the final months of the year. Between October and December alone, 34 earthquakes were recorded near the loch. This concentration made the area one of the most active seismic zones in the UK in 2025.
Perthshire and the western Highlands ranked among the most seismically active regions over the past 12 months. Experts say this pattern is not unusual, given the geological structure of the region.
Dr Brian Baptie, a seismologist with the British Geological Survey, explained that western Scotland has long been known for relatively higher seismic activity compared to other parts of the UK. He said the region sits along major geological fault lines that remain active.
He pointed specifically to the Highland Boundary Fault, which runs from Helensburgh in Argyll and Bute through central Scotland to Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. The Great Glen Fault, another major geological feature, also contributes to seismic movement in the region.
Dr Baptie said these faults are reminders that the UK is not entirely free from earthquakes, even if major events are rare. He stressed that small earthquakes occur regularly and must be studied carefully.
He added that monitoring minor seismic events helps scientists better understand the potential risks posed by larger earthquakes, particularly for critical infrastructure projects such as energy facilities, transport networks and major construction developments.
The Loch Lyon earthquakes were the largest onshore events of the year, but they were not the only notable tremors in 2025. The third strongest onshore earthquake occurred in Silverdale, Lancashire, on December 3. That event measured 3.2 in magnitude and generated nearly 700 public reports from people who felt the shaking.
British Geological Survey data shows that earthquakes of magnitude four typically occur in the UK every three to four years. Magnitude-five earthquakes are far less frequent and usually happen only once every few decades.
The most recent magnitude-five earthquake in the UK took place in Lincolnshire in 2008. Events of magnitude six are even rarer, with scientists estimating they occur only once every few hundred years.
While the earthquakes recorded this year caused no serious damage or injuries, experts say they serve as an important reminder that the UK is not seismically inactive. Continued monitoring and public reporting play a key role in improving scientific understanding and preparedness.
The findings were released by the British Geological Survey as part of its annual seismic review, highlighting Scotland’s continued role as the most earthquake-prone region in the UK.
English