Dipple Brae
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Silurian - Devonian Chordata | Favourable | — | 2009-04-20 |
Geology & landscape
Geological Period: Devonian
Description
DIPPLE BRAE About 1km west of Fochabers, Dipple Brae was the first Middle Devonian fish bed to be discovered in Moray. It is geologically younger (Givetion age) and yields a different fauna from the other famous Achanarras – horizon fish beds in Moray. It is the only nodular fish bed at this horizon and therefore the only site to provide material of the highest quality of preservation for these species. Recent collections show that the site contains at least one and possibly more fish species new to science that have yet to be described. Dickosteus threiplandi and species of the genera Gyroptychius, Mesacanthus, Dipterus and Homosteus have so far been recorded, suggesting the great potential of the site for future research.