Our firm started in Livingston, near Edinburgh, Scotland in 1983. Stan Wood is a famous fossil hunter and while he was largely self-taught, his important discoveries have given the firm an international reputation. So far they have amounted to numerous fossil plants and over 30 new species of animals, including the world famous 'Lizzie' - Westlothiana lizziae - thought at the time to be the oldest reptile ever discovered. This is a proud record of discovery, and Stan is still out hunting today.
At first Stan supplied museums with fossils for research and display, then in 1987 the firm opened a shop, allowing public access to his material and providing fossils for sale from all over the world. The original shop is situated in the Grassmarket, at the centre of Edinburgh's historic Old Town. Stan hired someone to look after the shop, preferring to be out in the field, and I took over as manager in 1998. I had been working with fossils in museums in Glasgow following a geology degree and museum studies post-graduate course. I bought the business from Stan in 2006 and I'm in the shop most days. I'm helped by Riley, who works Saturdays and covers for me when I'm away buying stock.
Matt Dale, Proprietor
