Whispering through the Pentland Hills flows Gutterford Burn. This isn’t just any burn. It’s a window into a world 438.5 million to 433.4 million years old. Gutterford Burn cuts through the Deerhope Formation part of the North Esk Group. This rock layer is packed with Silurian fossils.
Imagine the ancient sea teeming with life. Brachiopods bivalves trilobites corals and cephalopods thrived here. Their remains are embedded in the very siltstones and mudstones that form the banks of Gutterford Burn. Years of erosion have exposed these fossils. They’re waiting to be discovered.
The Gutterford Burn Limestone is a special treat. This highly calcareous siltstone is rich in fossils. Broken corals bryozoans brachiopods and bivalves are all present. Even gastropods trilobites ostracods and crinoid ossicles are found. They form a fascinating snapshot of this ancient ecosystem.
Further upstream lies the Eurypterid Bed. This is a remarkable place. It holds one of the most extensive eurypterid faunas in the world. These are extinct arthropods. Extensive excavations have occurred in the past. Sadly much of the bed is now buried under debris. You might still find fragments though.
This isn’t a walk for the faint of heart. The path is challenging. Steep slopes and overgrown paths make it difficult. Water crossings are also involved. Proper footwear a map and plenty of water are essential. You will also need a pick and a trowel to unearth the delicate fossils. Remember this is an SSSI. Hammering the bedrock is forbidden. Respect the site and leave no trace behind.
Gutterford Burn offers more than just fossils. It offers a journey through deep time. It’s a chance to connect with a world lost to us millions of years ago. It’s a story etched in stone waiting for you to uncover it. A story only Gutterford Burn can tell.