Other vertebrate collections

Archaeological bone

We have extensive collections of mainly mammal bone from about 50 archaeological sites, mainly in Scotland. These include excavations at Skara Brae and Links of Noltland in Orkney, Jarlshof in Shetland, and Embo in Sutherland.

Anatomical preparations

Anatomical display specimens comprise about 340 spirit and 50 dry specimens that were prepared mainly in the late nineteenth century for teaching and public display. Many of these specimens originate in the former Department of Anatomy of the University of Edinburgh and include the work of Sir William Turner, Robert Knox and Professor Alexander Monro secundus

Tissues

We have a collection of more than 7,000 vertebrate muscle tissues, which have originated from specimens acquired in the last 25 years. These are used extensively as a source of DNA for molecular studies by researchers worldwide. Recently they have been incorporated into our Biobank.