Fossils in Scotland

Fossils can be defined as the remains or traces of an ancient animal or plant preserved in rock. Scotland has a remarkable diversity of fossils stretching back over 1200 million years. Scottish fossils help us understand the evolution of life on Earth and the changing geographies and environments that existed throughout Scotlands long and varied geological history.

19th Century Scottish geologists such as Hugh Miller established basic geological principles using fossils from Scottish localities, and made them widely known to the general public. These fossil localities are of historical and cultural importance.

Scotland's fossil heritage is an important scientific, economic, educational and leisure resource that has a wide range of users including research scientists, students, school pupils, amateur and commercial collectors and the general public.

If collecting fossils in Scotland, please do so responsibly and follow the advice on best practice in the collection and storage of fossil specimens outlined in the Scottish Fossil Code.

For more information on fossils in Scotland including Classic Sites for fossils, and famous fossil collectors, visit the scottishgeology.com   website.