Helping to safeguard Skye's fossil heritage - postcard
Published: 2023
It is vital to protect Skye’s world-class Jurassic fossil heritage for science, education and public display. If you are involved in the visitor accommodation and tourism sector on Skye it is likely that guests and customers have asked about collecting fossils on the island. This information card should help with such enquiries. Intended for download and distribution it encourages the safeguard of Skye's fossil heritage. Importantly it makes reference to the Skye Nature Conservation Order 2019.
Fossil collecting on Skye?
Skye is well known for its important fossils of Jurassic age. To safeguard these fossils some areas have statutory protection as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A Nature Conservation Order (NCO) provides added protection for vertebrate fossils that include the remains of dinosaurs and mammals. Please check before you collect:
- Areas where restrictions apply.
- Prohibited operations and exemptions under the NCO.
- The Scottish Fossil Code.
Helping to safeguard Skye’s fossil heritage
Fossil collectors, visitors to Skye and the general public have an important role in helping to look after Skye’s fossils:
- If you discover what could be a rare and special fossil, including perhaps vertebrate remains or traces, do not cause damage by attempting extraction and removal. Important information could be lost no matter how careful you might be and it could constitute an offence.
- Record and report any rare, unusual and suspected vertebrate finds to allow their recovery by those qualified and experienced to do so.
- If you suspect an offence is being committed against Skye’s important world-class fossil heritage call Police Scotland on 101.
Related links
- Scottish Fossil Code
- Helping to safeguard Skye's fossil heritage FAQ's
- Helping Skye’s fossil heritage postcard
