FROM tiny grains of pollen to the remains of dinosaurs, Scotland has some of the rarest and most scientifically important fossils in the world, spanning at least 800 million years of the Earth's history.
But this important resource can be lost by the actions of irresponsible collectors who sometimes destroy the relics and sites where they are found.
Today, Scotland pioneers a new approach towards safeguarding the planet's ancient legacy, by intr
oducing the world's first fossil code.
Michael Russell, the environment minister, will launch the project in Cromarty, the home of Hugh Miller, a celebrated Scots geologist and fossil collector.
The code, drawn up by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) after a three-month consultation, defines best practice and responsible behaviour in the collection and care of fossils.
Mr Russell said: "Fossil collecting is an increasingly popular hobby and amateur collectors often unearth rare and important finds. Hugh Miller made a major contribution to the understanding of Scotland's fossil heritage and popularising the subject of geology.
"The launch of the world's first fossil code at his birthplace is a testimony to both his foresight and the value we place on his legacy."
Fossils are the remains or traces of animals and plants found mostly in sea-cliffs, beaches, rivers, streams and quarries, where natural erosion or human activity has exposed them.
But areas like Achanarras quarry in Caithness and Birk Knowes in Lanarkshire have been targeted by ruthless looters, as have spots in Skye, Ayrshire and the Moray coast.
Sarah Stewart, assistant curator of invertebrate paleontology and palaeobotany at the National Museums Scotland, said: "Irresponsible collecting can damage the site and valuable scientific information can be lost.
"An example of this is a 240 million-year-old fossil 'trackway' found in Morayshire in 1997. A rock saw had been used by a collector to remove a fossil footprint and another footprint had been damaged. It is important that fossil trackways are fully intact as they can be used to determine the speed and locomotion of an extinct animal."
Matt Dale, who runs a fossil shop in Edinburgh, said: "The benefits of the code far outweigh any downside.
I like the fact it actively encourages people to go out there and look. It had the potential to say 'leave it to the experts' but people want to go fossil hunting.
FOOTPRINTS OF TIME ETCHED IN STONEOTHER fossil finds of worldwide importance have been unearthed in Scotland.
• In 1984 one of the world's oldest known fossilised reptiles was found at East Kirkton Quarry near Bathgate. Its location gave it the name Westlothiana lizziae – or Lizzy for short.
• In 1992 the remains of a 180million-year-old plesiosaur was found in Skye and 11 years later a pensioner found another plesiosaur relic in shallow water on the bank of Loch Ness.
• Another find in Skye was made in 1999 when a family strolling on a beach discovered the fossilised remains of a 170 million-year-old stegosaurus.
• In 2002 footprints of a meat-eating dinosaur were found by a couple at a beach in Staffin, Skye.
• A relic dating back 410 million years was found by fossil hunters near Rhynie in Aberdeenshire in 2005.
• The National Museum also has a fossil of "killer scorpions" from the same quarry at East Kirkton.
"There is a mutually beneficial relationship between the commercial and academic sides."
