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A free public resource dedicated to showcasing the prehistoric world. © 2008.
Discovering Fossils is fully independent and works in partnership with JuniorGeo.

Scotland Fossil Locations

Fossil Collecting Code

Fossil Collecting Code

 

Quarry

Quarry

The key (left) is applied to each of the following location to indicate the type of terrain and the potential volume of fossils which can be found. Please note, the volume of finds may vary considerably at different times of the year and depending on recent weather conditions. These summaries are produced from our most recent visit and are updated on a regular basis.

 

Select 'CLICK TO VIEW' to view the full location report.

Suitable for families

Suitable for families

Beach

Beach

Countryside

Permission required

Permission required

High find frequency Average find frequency Low find frequency

Find frequency: High / Medium / Low

  

ABERLADY (EAST LOTHIAN)

CARBONIFEROUS

Summary: Fossils can be found in foreshore boulders and in the low cliffs, although hammering of these cliffs is not allowed as the site is a SSSI. However, the large number of scattered boulders makes this unnecessary as it provides plenty of loose material.

Fossils: Crinoids, brachiopods, trilobites, corals...

CLICK TO VIEW

Beach Suitable for families Average find frequency

   

BEARRERAIG BAY (ISLE OF SKYE)

JURASSIC

Summary: The Isle of Skye is probably the best place in Scotland to find fossils in abundance. The breathtaking scenery and towering cliffs, make the Isle of Skye a worthwhile visit. Although the surrounding area is comprised of volcanic rock, a complete Jurassic sequence extends along the eastern edge of the isle.

Fossils: Ammonites, belemnites, bivalves, crinoids...

CLICK TO VIEW

Beach Suitable for families Average find frequency

      

BRORA RIVER (SUTHERLAND)

JURASSIC

Summary: The River Brora provides an isolated exposure of Upper Jurassic rock along its banks, approximately one mile inland from the river mouth. Accessibility is dependent on the prevailing weather conditions; during periods of sustained wet weather the water depth and flow makes viewing or collecting fossils difficult and potentially dangerous.

Fossils: Ammonites, belemnites, bivalves...

CLICK TO VIEW

Average find frequency

        

CRAIL (FIFE)

CARBONIFEROUS

Summary: Crail is a small fishing village located in south east Fife (Scotland) and provides a fascinating insight into the Carboniferous period 335 million years ago. What distinguishes Crail from the surrounding localities is the occurrence of several well preserved Arthropleura (giant centipede) trackways.

Fossils: Arthropleura tracks, plant and tree remains, bivalves... 

CLICK TO VIEW

Beach Suitable for families Average find frequency

 

DUNROBIN (SUTHERLAND)

JURASSIC

Summary: Dunrobin is better known for its fairy-tail style castle 'Dunrobin Castle' than its fossils, which in comparison are small in size and number; however experienced visitors should be able to locate a range of specimens from the Jurassic rocks.

Fossils: Bivalves, crinoids, ammonites, belemnites... 

CLICK TO VIEW

Beach Low find frequency

   

EAST WEMYSS (FIFE)

CARBONIFEROUS

Summary: Despite having little in the way of natural beauty, the foreshore boulders provide an opportunity to observe a number of carboniferous fossils, in particular sections of Stigmaria (Lepidodendron tree roots). For the reasons described, East Wemyss is best suited for individual fossil collectors rather than families.

Fossils: Plant remains... 

CLICK TO VIEW

Beach Low find frequency

   

KINGSBARNS (FIFE)

CARBONIFEROUS

Summary: Kingsbarns is located on the east coast of Fife in Scotland and provides an opportunity to find plant remains dating from the Carboniferous period. At low-tide the retreating sea exposes a variety of fossils in situ, in particular the roots of the Lepidodendron tree (Stigmaria) which once grew commonly in this part of the world.

Fossils: Plant remains... 

CLICK TO VIEW

Beach Low find frequency

  

     

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Safety notice: Fossil hunting can at times pose a risk to personal safety, in particular within environments close to the coast, cliffs or in quarries and when using the tools and equipment illustrated. Discovering Fossils provides a free resource to inform you about this fascinating subject and does not accept any liability for decisions made using this information. We recommend all individuals abide by the 'National Fossil Hunting Code' and independently research the potential dangers before and during the visit.

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