'Dolphin-like' Jurassic predator discovered on Isle of Skye

A team of palaeontologists has discovered a new type of marine reptile from the age of the dinosaurs.

The study of fossils, found on the Isle of Skye, has led to the discovery of a new species of a marine reptile from the Jurassic period.

Palaeontologists have been studying a collection of fossil fragments unearthed on the island over the last 50 years and have identified them as belonging to a dolphin-like creature who lived in the warm shallow seas of Scotland over 170 million years ago.

Dr Steve Brusatte, of the University of Edinburgh's School of GeoSciences, led the study and described how they named the species Dearcmhara shawcrossi. He said: "It was found, not by a scientist, but by an amateur collector Brian Shawcross who donated it and worked with us and that's why we named it after him."