Scotland has unveiled a significant fossil discovery—a 170-million-year-old Jurassic-era ‘sea monster,’ scientifically identified as an ichthyosaur.
Initially unearthed in 1966 on the Isle of Skye by amateur fossil hunter Norrie Gillies and nicknamed the Storr Lochs monster, the fossil was recently rediscovered after being stored for 50 years.
Measuring 4 meters (13 feet) in length, the sea monster is an aquatic reptile with a pointed mouth and belonged to the ichthyosaur family of large marine reptiles. It is considered the most complete fossil of a sea reptile ever found in Scotland.
The fossil, representing the most complete Jurassic-era marine reptile discovered in the country, had been kept safe but was not extensively studied due to concerns about potential damage during examination.
The recent rediscovery by a team led by Steve Brusatte from the University of Edinburgh allowed for careful excavation and examination.
The fossil’s rediscovery became possible through advancements in expertise, enabling scientists to study it in detail without risking damage. The team meticulously chipped away at the rock surrounding the fossil over a year, revealing the complete specimen inside.
The significance of this find extends beyond its age and origin. The fossil may provide crucial insights into the reasons for the extinction of such creatures during the mid-Jurassic period.
The team hopes to better understand the dynamics of marine life during this period, which saw a transition between smaller, more primitive reptiles and larger, more evolved groups.
The project was funded by SSE, the energy company where Norrie Gillies, the original fossil discoverer, worked.
The fossil is now on display at the National Museums Scotland, offering a rare glimpse into Scotland’s paleontological history and contributing to the international understanding of marine life during the ‘dark’ period of the Middle Jurassic.
The team’s findings are expected to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, further emphasizing the importance of this unique specimen.
