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West Highland residents awoken by 'deep rumbling' earthquake

Getty Images An aerial view of the Caledonian Canal and in the distance Corpach, Fort William and Ben Nevis.Getty Images
People in Lochaber reported feeling Tuesday's early morning quake

People have reported being awoken by a small earthquake in Lochaber.

The British Geological Survey (BGS) recorded the magnitude 2.5 quake at about 04:00.

It has received several reports of it being felt in Spean Bridge, Roybridge, Inverlair and in and around Fort William.

Some people said a deep rumble lasting about five seconds woke them up, while others said they experience what felt like a small underground explosion and a slight shuddering.

Earthquakes are rare in Scotland and when they do occur they usually pass unnoticed.

A 1.0 magnitude quake was recorded near Falkirk on 20 July and a 2.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded at Lochcarron in the Highlands.

Last year, Scotland recorded the UK's most powerful onshore earthquakes, according to BGS data.

They happened hours apart on 20 October near Loch Lyon in Perth and Kinross, when a 3.7 magnitude tremor was shortly followed by a 3.6 magnitude one.

BGS said 198 people "felt" the earthquake, some up to 37.2 miles (60km) away.

They were among 309 earthquakes recorded across the UK in 2025.