The Bearsden Shark was discovered in 1981 by Stan Woods in the Manse Burn in Bearsden. Having found a fossil bearing rock in the 330 million year old marine shales in the burn he gained local council permission to do a trial dig which then led to a major excavation in 1982. With the aid of Glasgow University students and local resident volunteers a 30m by 15m and 5m depth site was excavated under Stan's supervision.
Whilst they discovered many fossils the highlight was a 1 metre long shark identified as part of the Stethacanthidae family of prehistoric sharks. It is considered the most complete skeleton of its kind found. It is so well preserved that even muscle and blood vessels and the last meal in its stomach could be seen. It is known to be a male specimen from its spiked anvil shaped dorsal fin that can only be seen on males.
The Bearsden Shark was so unique that it was given the new genus and species name Akmonistion (because of the anvil fin) and Zangerli (after Rainer Zangerl who wrote papers on the Stethacanthus shark finds in America). The shark can be seen in the University of Glasgow's Huntarian museum which is well worth a visit.
An information plaque and cairn were unveiled by East Dunbartonshire Council Provost Una Walker in December 2015 to mark this truly remarkable find.
Please note this is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the cache has been placed with the kind permission of Scottish Natural Heritage. ************ Congratulations to kathrynandsandra on their first to find**************