An Interglacial Peat at Fugla Ness, Shetland

Summary The stratigraphy of a peat bed about 1.5 m thick lying between boulder clays at Fugla Ness on North Roe of Shetland Mainland is described, and the results of analyses of pollen, spores, seeds, leaves and wood remains are presented. These analyses indicate wooded conditions, and the assemblage is considered to be of interglacial character. On the basis of floristic affinities it is equated with the closing phases of the Gortian Interglacial stage of Ireland. The most notable taxa represented include Abies, Chamaepericlymenum suecicuni, Daboecia canlabrica. Erica mackaiana, E. scoparia var. macrosperma and Picea. The phytogeographical significance of the fossil flora is briefly considered.