Hidden Devonian fossils discovered in this city's pavements

Published by Cédric,
Article author: Cédric DEPOND
Source: The Inverness Courier
Other Languages: FR, DE, ES, PT

On the sidewalks of Inverness, remnants of ancient fish from the Devonian period have been spotted by a keen eye. Their discovery casts new light on the geological history of this Scottish region.

James Ryan, an agent of the National Trust for Scotland, identified fragments of bony fish while walking through downtown Inverness. Dark shapes in the Caithness paving stones immediately caught his attention. These stones, formed at the bottom of a giant lake 385 million years ago, contain the remains of ancient marine creatures.


The darker ridges running along the edge of the slab are likely fossilized fragments of fish bones.

The fossils identified belong to placoderms, the earliest jawed fish, which lived long before the dinosaurs. According to Ryan, these fish are a testament to a time when aquatic life dominated the earth, shedding new light on the evolution of vertebrates.

Caithness paving stones, used to build sidewalks in several Scottish cities, are renowned for containing fossils. Similar discoveries have been reported in Glasgow and Edinburgh. However, the one in Inverness is unique, as it has never been documented before.

These pavements hold unsuspected stories. They are the result of sediments deposited over millions of years, during a time when freshwater lakes stretched from Moray to the Orkney Islands. Beneath the feet of passersby lies a natural archive dating back hundreds of millions of years.


Some fossils are easier to spot due to their darker coloration. These are believed to be large scales.

Ongoing studies aim to precisely identify the fossilized species. So far, observations reveal fragments of bones, scales, and even traces of a dorsal fin. These findings could bring new insights into Devonian biodiversity.

These recent discoveries suggest that the geological heritage of cities still holds many secrets. Who knows—perhaps another fossil is waiting to be uncovered by a curious passerby?

What is the Devonian period?

The Devonian is a geological period spanning from 416 to 359 million years ago. Known as the "age of fish," it is marked by the rise of numerous aquatic species, particularly placoderms, the first jawed fish.

This era also saw the first forests take root. Terrestrial plants diversified and spread across the continents, increasing oxygen production and creating habitats for new forms of life.


Fossil from the Late Devonian period.
Wikimedia image.
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