New graptolite collections from Garpol Linn and Bill’s Cleuch

The base of the sandstones overlying the Moffat Shale Group at Garpol Linn (National Grid Reference NT 0657 0311) yield Metaclimacograptus scalaris in swarm proportions. The taphonomic setting suggests an epipelagic fauna carried oceanwards by turbidites from a more inshore setting. Although typical of the Telychian guerichi Biozone in Wales, M. scalaris is reckoned to range as low as the convolutus Biozone of the Aeronian Stage and does not provide a precise age assignment.
The Moffat Shales at Bill’s Cleuch (NT 0994 1213) yield a diverse Rhuddanian graptolite fauna which is of acinaces or cyphus Biozone age.