Pioneering Paleontologist Discovered Trove of Jurassic Fossils in Scotland

In 2023, the world lost a pioneering paleontologist and beloved teacher, Michael Waldman, who died at the age of 83. Waldman made significant contributions to the field of geology, particularly through his discoveries in Scotland.

In 1971, during a Duke of Edinburgh school trip he was co-leading to the Isle of Skye, Waldman stumbled upon one of the most productive and important fossil sites in Scotland. There, he found the first mammal fossil from the time of dinosaurs in the country, naming it Borealestes serendipitus, or "the northern rogue found by serendipity." Over the years, Waldman and his colleagues uncovered a treasure trove of Jurassic-era fossils, including the remains of fish, salamanders, lizards, turtles, and other mammals.

Waldman's Scottish discoveries sparked decades of research that continues to this day. In 2009, one of the first vertebrate fossils to be named using Scottish Gaelic, Eileanchelys waldmani, or "Waldman's island turtle," was named in his honor. Waldman was also renowned as an inspiring teacher at Stowe School in Buckinghamshire, where he was affectionately known as "Doc Pot" for his extensive rock collection. His contagious enthusiasm led many of his students to pursue careers in geology.

Even after retiring from teaching in 2002, Waldman remained a supportive mentor to young academics. His legacy lives on through the ongoing research and discoveries that his pioneering work in Scotland has enabled.