Scottish fossils

Abstract

• Scotland boasts some of the most famous fossil localities in the world, and for a small country, has a remarkable fossil record with almost every period of geological time represented by Scottish localities. These localities provide snapshots of the plants and animals that have inhabited Scotland through deep time. They range from the superb fossil fish of Caithness and Angus that inspired early palaeontologists such as Hugh Miller, almost two centuries ago during the birth of the science, to modern discoveries such as dinosaurs of the Isle of Skye, and ancient amphibians and scorpions from central Scotland. Nigel Trewin provides a virtual museum of more than 100 of the most scientifically important, interesting, and, at times, controversial fossils for which Scotland is well known. Many of the specimens involve interesting stories about their famous finders and their theories on geological time. Specimens have also been chosen to present a wide range of fossil plants and animals. The examples included in this book are chosen both from public museums and from private collections, brought together in a celebration of Scottish fossils. Many of the specimens illustrated are exceptionally rare, even unique, and are normally hidden from public view. Other examples include more common fossils that any collector may hold a reasonable expectation of finding. Fossil fish may be picked up at Achanarras Quarry in Caithness, ammonites and belemnites are found on Skye and at Helmsdale, while brachiopods and crinoids are common on Bishop Hill in Kinross. This book will appeal to all with an interest in fossils and the history of life on Earth.