Pressures on fossils

All fossil collectors collecting specimens in Scotland should follow the Scottish Fossil Code.

Fossils are an irreplaceable resource, used in research, as they provide glimpses into past environments and the lives lived by the plants and animals of times long gone. The extraordinary fossil heritage tells the story of evolution on Earth.

Fossil collecting is also an exciting and rewarding hobby enjoyed by many. But irresponsible collecting and lack of care by some collectors can damage and threaten the destruction of this resource at certain particularly vulnerable sites.

Find out more about fossils in Scotland.

Read our Guidance on collecting geological samples from Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Scotland.