The rocky shore east of Thurso exposes Middle Devonian flagstones with abundant fragmentary fossil fish remains. Scales and pieces of bony armour are the most realistic finds; complete fish are much rarer. The low cliffs and broad rock platforms also reveal the changing conditions of an ancient lake. Devonian, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
The low shore east of John O’Groats pier exposes a Middle Devonian fish bed within the John O’Groats Sandstone Formation. Fish scales and fragments are more likely to be recognised than complete fish, but this small protected exposure has yielded specimens of lasting scientific importance. Visit to observe and photograph its fossils and sedimentary structures. Devonian, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
The conspicuous spoil heap at Dalmellington contains Carboniferous Coal Measures rocks, including dark shale with fish teeth, scales and bones. Plant remains and coprolites are also recorded. Mining has mixed the material, so individual finds cannot be assigned to a source bed simply from their position on the tip. Collecting requires permission and particular care around the unstable slopes. Carboniferous, Spoil Heap, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
The Early Carboniferous plants of Oxroad Bay, below Tantallon Castle near North Berwick, preserve remarkable detail of an ancient volcanic landscape. Reworked volcanic ash and calcareous beds contain stems, roots, foliage and reproductive organs. This is an important scientific locality on a rugged, tidal shore, best approached with time to observe its rocks and an understanding of its collecting restrictions. Carboniferious, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦
The foreshore east of the Forth Rail Bridge at South Queensferry exposes Carboniferous fish remains, coprolites and plant fragments, together with a distinct marine shell bed. From Port Neuk to Long Rib, folded sandstone, dark oil shale and pale intrusions reveal a changing landscape of lakes, deltas and brief marine incursions. Carboniferious, Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
