It's a visit 65 million years in the making. Whilst dino-fans flock to the cinema in July to check out the new Jurassic World: Rebirth film (out on 2 July 2025), they can head to Scotland this summer for another adventure of a lifetime: exploring fossil sites and enjoying dino-themed activities.

In Scotland, whilst the dinosaur footprints on Staffin beach on the Isle of Skye might be well-known, rock formations and fossils in locations such as Isle of Mull and the Black Isle are perhaps less so. With more people turning to Scotland's great outdoors to reconnect with nature and boost their wellbeing*, summer 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to explore the country's unique prehistoric landscapes.

Fans of a T.rex can also enjoy a variety of dinosaur-themed activities and exhibitions, with museums across Scotland offering Jurassic experiences.

Visitors can indulge in their inner geologist and follow the fossil collecting advice on www.scottishgeologytrust.org and in the Scottish Fossil Code, which can be viewed here or at www.snh.gov.uk

 

Fossil stories

Helmsdale fossil collecting

Sutherland, North Highlands

The Helmsdale Fault, which runs from Helmsdale to Brora, provides possibly the only opportunity to collect Jurassic fossils in North Scotland and is one of the most fascinating geological locations along the Scottish coastline.  Collectors are expected to use the Scottish Fossil Code, and their own judgement, to determine how they go about seeking permission to look for, remove and retain fossil specimens.

Go to https://ukfossils.co.uk/2005/04/14/helmsdale/ and www.nature.scot  for more information. Visitors should also take care when accessing rocky and uneven areas.  

 

The Black Isle and Hugh Miller Birthplace Cottage and Museum

Cromarty, Ross-shire, IV11 8XA

 Follow in the footsteps of one of Scotland's pioneering geologists, Hugh Miller.  The gentle topography and rich farmland of the Black Isle is underlain by Old Red Sandstone rocks of the Devonian 'age of fishes', around 416 million to 358 million years ago. The best places to see exposures of the sandstones, many of which were deposited by huge rivers, are in the sea cliffs along the eastern side of the Black Isle. This linear coastline is defined by the Great Glen Fault, and to the east of the fault Jurassic marine shales are exposed in a few localities in the intertidal zone. The Hugh Miller Museum contains artefacts relating to Hugh's life, including some of his outstanding fossil discoveries, his manuscripts, shepherd's plaid and mason's mallet. Behind the museum is Miller's Yard: Garden of Wonders, where there is much to discover about natural history, including 'giant fossils'.

Go to www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/hugh-millers-birthplace for more information. Tickets for the museum cost from £6 for concessions, £7 for adults and from £12 for a family ticket. It is open to the public most days between April and October.

 

Fossil Hunting, Isle of Mull

Carsaig Bay, Carsaig, PA70 6HD

Venture through the rugged coastline of Mull, to find the beautifully hidden cove of Carsaig Bay on the south of the island, to find traces of Jurassic activity. On a rocky platform east of Carsaig Pier and accessible by a track, there are considerable number of ammonite casts, some fairly large. Ammonites (marine molluscs) which are now extinct were found at a time when the dinosaurs roamed the land.  Look closely at the rock formations further west within the bay and see that the beach is littered with examples of extinct Gryphaea (Oyster type mollusks) as well as Belemnites.

Further information and advice for visiting area can be found at: https://visitmullandiona.co.uk/guides/geology/  . Access to some parts of the shore and rocks is dependent on the time of day and the tides. Please also take care when accessing the area.

 

Dinosaur footprints, Isle of Skye

Staffin Dinosaur Museum, Portree, Isle of Skye IV51 9JE

Around 170 million years ago, shortly after the supercontinent Pangaea began to break up, the land that is now Skye was part of a smaller subtropical island, far closer to the equator; replete with beaches, rivers and lagoons.  Visitors can explore traces of dinosaurs on Skye, including the sight of 50 tracks, some as big as a car tyre, from dinosaurs that roamed the island during the middle Jurassic period. The sauropod tracks are located on Staffin beach. 

It is recommended that visitors begin the journey at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum, which offers daily guided tours of the footprint sites, priced at £5 for adults and free for children (no concessions). Open: April - October, 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week.  Please note that access to the footprints on the beach depends on time of day and tides, so consult with the museum before travelling.  See www.facebook.com/StaffinDinosaurMuseum for more details and advice on visiting. 

 

Dino attractions

Dino Park, Dumfries

Hetland Garden Centre, Carrutherstown, Dumfries DG1 4JX

Ever wanted to come face-to-face with a 'real' dinosaur?  Dino Park is a year-round attraction for children of all ages (and the young at heart) with realistic-looking replicas of the beasts that once walked the earth. Come along and take a tour of the park, head through the Dino Mine, hear a story in the Dino Den, and not forgetting a snack in the Dino Bite. Dino Dig also offers young aspiring Dr Alan Grants the chance to dig for replica dinosaur fossils and bones.

Dino Park is situated just off the A75 - seven miles from Dumfries at Carrutherstown.  Prices start from £7.50 per child. See www.dinopark.co.uk for more information.

Michaelswood Dinosaur Trail, Shetland

Airth, Shetland ZE2 9NB

A popular picnic spot located in the village of Airth, the woodland area was developed in memory of Michael Ferrie, a young musician from the village who passed away from cancer in 1996. The area is a vibrant place with many interesting and enchanting features to entertain, educate and excite. The Dinosaur Trail consists of life-sized dinosaurs living out their Jurassic existence among the trees.   Visitors can read all about them from storyboards, developed by pupils from local schools.  Look out for the Stegosaurus, Brontosaurus and the sabre-toothed tiger.

Donations welcome, for more information go to: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/visiting-woods/woods/michaelswood/

 

T.rex at the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh

Chambers St, Edinburgh EH1 1JF

The cast of the T.rex at the National Museum of Scotland has been taken from one of the most complete T.rex specimens in the world, which is held in the Museum of the Rockies in Montana, USA. It forms the centrepiece of the Animal World, a spectacular array of creatures from the past and the present day, including a great white shark, a hippo and a Triceratops skull. Peering out into the Museum's Grand Gallery, the T.rex draws people through into the six Natural World galleries, which tell the story of the formation of the earth and evolution of life on this planet.

Free to visit.  See www.nms.ac.uk for more information.

 

Dinosaurs and fossils at the Hunterian Museum & Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Glasgow

Hunterian Museum, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ

Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery, Argyle Street, Glasgow G3 8AG

Dino fanatics should definitely trek to the Hunterian Museum at the University of Glasgow, if only to see Scotland's first dinosaur print, along with other dinosaur bones, including the Bearsden Shark. There is also a full-size plesiosaur on display.  In addition, the Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum showcases a multitude of dino relics in its Creatures of the Past Gallery.  The museum has 8,000 objects and dinosaur and fossil lovers will be pleased to know the collection includes a 2.6 metre skeleton of Stenopterygius, crocodilian remains and an almost complete shell of a Jurassic turtle.

Free to visit www.gla.ac.uk/hunterian/ , www.glasgowlife.org.uk/museums/venues/kelvingrove-art-gallery-and-museum

 

Dino events in 2025

The Lost Kingdom, Rutherglen near Glasgow

Cuningar Loop, Rutherglen, Glasgow G73 1PW

From 28 June – 13 July 2025

The Lost Kingdom walking trail has made the jump across the pond from the US and Canada and is now open for a limited run in Glasgow. The Lost Kingdom invites dinosaur fans and families of all ages to saunter between over 50 animatronic dinosaurs. As an outdoor trail, there's bound to be lots to keep everyone entertained, while moving through the open space.

Entertainment and education are the name of the game at this family-friendly walking trail; there is the option to embark on guided tours led by experts to learn more about the prehistoric era. And, of course, the live animatronics that enable the prehistoric creatures to move throughout The Lost Kingdom are sure to delight.

Ticket price: adult, £14.50; child £12.50; For more information, go to: https://secretglasgow.com/lost-kingdom-glasgow/ Duration: approx. 2-3 hours.  Accessibility: the park is mainly grass and woodland. Some areas may be challenging for wheelchair users due to uneven flooring and steep gradients.

For more information on day trips and holidays in Scotland, please go to www.visitscotland.com