"Whilst any good ironmonger can supply cold chisels and strong knives or trowels, he is very unlikely to have safe and suitable hammers in stock. The steel of ordinary domestic and many trade hammers is far too soft for use on most rocks. It will splinter and flying fragments of steel can cause nasty wounds, particularly to the eyes, not only of the hammerer but also of his companions." Fossils in Colour - 1967 - J.F. Kirkaldy, D.Sc. Formally Head of the Department of Geology, Queen Mary College London.

The rocks at Brora often contain Jurassic Fossils. These will need to be split open. You will need the right tools for this. Sometimes Kimmeridge clay can be exposed on the foreshore, when this happens, it is always handy to take a pick.

Chisel Picks: These should be used for splitting rocks, at Brora the rocks are ideal for splitting. Standard geological hammers are also suitable. You can also use a chisel with the flat end for more delicate or if you plan to use splitting chisels.

Picks: When the clay is exposed on the foreshore at Brora, a pick comes in handy. However this requires scour to clear the beach which does not happen very often.

Chisels: Standard cold chisels are suitable for Brora. It is best to take a wide splitting chisel, a standard 1" and a smaller chisel for finer work. These will be fine for splitting the rocks.

Geo Field Ruler: This Geo Ruler is ideal for field use and for photographing specimens. The Rular is colour graduated in CM with 10cm Blocks, made of hard thick plastic and is waterproof.

Waterproof Notepads and Waterproof Pens: These field notepads and field pens work in the rain, they are perfect for taking notes. The pens work in any condition, including underwater! Taking notes about where fossils were found is an essential part of any collection.

Safety Wear: Goggles or Safety Glasses are absolutely essential when using hammers and chisels.

Specimen Bags: These are ideal for Brora. Sealable Clear Specimen Bags can hold your finds. These can be purchased from UKGE for low prices and can easily be re-used.

Preparation Tools:A range of hand, and automatic tools for cleaning your fossils. We have air tools, grit blasters and etchers.

Geological Bags: Strong, Waterproof and durable geological bags that last years are ideal for any keen fossil hunter. These quality bags from Estwing are ideal for bringing back those heavy rocks that you wish to split back home and to hold your fossil finds.

Footwear: Hiking Boots are recommended fine for Brora because the shore can be rocky and when the tide goes out, it can leave areas of water.