Spynie Quarry
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Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Permian - Triassic Reptilia | Favourable | — | 2017-12-13 |
Geology & landscape
Mining / Industrial: Quarry · Geological Period: Triassic
Description
Spynie Quarry Spynie Quarry, located 2 km to the north-east of Elgin, is an important site for late Triassic reptiles. During the late Triassic, around 200 million years ago, a variety of early species of reptiles existed and the fossilised remains of these animals are preserved in the red sandstones of the Elgin area. Spynie Quarry is rivalled only by the historic Lossiemouth East site in the range of fossil reptiles it has yielded. Type material of two species have been collected here: the small procolophonid Leptopleuron and the carnivorous thecodontian Ornithosuchus. Relatively recently two excellent skulls of the rhynchosaur Hyperodapedon were collected and these have provided much new information on its anatomy and ecology. Spynie Quarry is probably the best site for future finds of the late Triassic Elgin reptiles.