A to Z

Achanarras Quarry - closed and site rich in fossils -  collecting allowed with permission from the relevant body.

Spittal Quarry - commercial - still operated by A & D Sutherland

Caithness has had many quarries of all sizes.  It is particularly famous in architectural, building and geological circles for its flagstone which is of excellent quality and has been used all over the world for paving may streets and establishments requiring durability.  But quarrying has gone on through the centuries for building and making roads so many smaller ones are scattered throughout the county.  Some such as the disused Achannaras Quarry have produced many fine examples of fossils and continue to do so even from the spoil heaps around the quarry and which visitors can get permission to try their luck.

Main Quarries in use now and in the recent past -
Holborn Head
Hill of forss
Janetstown
Achscrabster
Achanarras
Spittal
Banniskirk
Weydale
Stonegun
Castlehill
Acharole

Pavement Works
Braehead
Thurso East
Castle Works
Harrow

Hopefield Farm Windmill Tower

See Also
Flagstone Trail
Geology
More on Caithness Flagstone
Geography
Flag Stone by Gordon Johnson
Stone Roofing Association
Slate Valley Museum New York

Fossils Links

Waltzing the Stones - Caithness

This film was made by Dorcas Sinclair as part of the Highland Lives project

Cladding A Roof With Caithness Slate

Another Short Film By Grandma - Dorcas Sinclair