Originally from Scotland, Andrew Geddes Bain was a road engineer who built many roads in South Africa including the Bainskloof Pass near Wellington and the Katberg Pass near Fort Beaufort. His occupation created an interest in geology and during the construction of the road near Blinkwater, he discovered a fossilized reptile, Pareiasaurus serridens which they promptly named the “Blinkwater Monster”. The original fossil was sent to England and a replica is on display at the Albany Museum in Grahamstown.
A replica of the original “Blinkwater Monster” which can be viewed in the Albany Museum in Grahamstown.