When Bonnie Prince Charlie fled the Scottish Highlands after the Battle of Culloden in 1746, he may have traversed a site where massive dinosaurs once left their footprints. Researchers on the Isle of Skye have discovered over 130 fossilized tracks from carnivorous megalosaurs and herbivorous sauropods at Prince Charles's Point, a remote bay on the Trotternish peninsula. The site, which was once a shallow freshwater lagoon during the mid-Jurassic period about 167 million years ago, offers a unique window into the lives of these ancient creatures. Using drone technology, scientists have created detailed 3D models of the footprints, which include both the three-toed, 45-cm-long megalosaur tracks and the larger, round sauropod prints. Previously mistaken for fish burrows, the sauropod tracks now reveal the presence of these enormous plant-eaters alongside the fearsome predators. The research, published in PLOS ONE, highlights the significance of this mid-Jurassic deposit. "The footprints are a fantastic example of how dinosaurs interacted with their environment and each other," said Tone Blakesley, the study's lead author from the University of Edinburgh. "It's surprising they haven't been found until now." The discovery not only advances our understanding of dinosaur behavior but also connects to a pivotal moment in Scottish history. Prince Charles's Point is said to be where the Young Pretender hid during his escape. "It's fascinating to imagine Bonnie Prince Charlie evading capture on the same ground where these ancient giants once roamed," added Steve Brusatte, a professor of paleontology at the University of Edinburgh. "While there's no evidence that the prince ever saw the footprints, the idea that they existed there for millions of years before his arrival adds a layer of prehistoric mystery to the site." The use of drones allowed researchers to capture thousands of high-resolution images, which were processed into detailed 3D models. This technology has been crucial in preserving and studying these delicate footprints, which are now exposed and protected by the island's unique geology. As the team continues to explore the area, they hope to uncover even more insights into the mid-Jurassic ecosystem and the dinosaurs that called this lagoon home.
