The area around Montrose has long been one of the foremost agate collecting areas in Scotland. Just to the south of Montrose near Usan was the most famous agate locality of all, the Blue Hole. The beaches from Ferryden along to the lighthouse area at Scurdie Ness and south to Usan are rich areas for the collector. It is still possible to pick up some specimens lying free on the beach but to find the best material requires a bit of digging into the shingle. As well as the beach agate nodules are often abundant in the ploughed fields in the Montrose area.

The location of the fabled Blue Hole is known but has not been excavated in recent years. Most of the agates displayed here on the website have been found on the beaches.