Description

The monument is a cup and ring marked stone, dating to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age (4000 BC – 1800 BC). The stone is roughly rectangular and measures about 2.5m from northwest to southeast by about 2m and stands about 1m in maximum height. About 60 carved motifs have been recorded across the upper surface of the stone, including 32 cupmarks, 11 cup and ring marks and two oval motifs. Several of the motifs have conjoined rings and some form alignments. Three natural quartz veins run across the surface of the boulder. The monument lies on a raised bank adjacent to an unclassified road and farmyard, at about 130m above sea level.

The scheduled area is rectangular measuring 4.5m from NNW to SSE by 4m, centred on the monument. It includes the remains described above and an area around for the monument's support and preservation, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The above ground elements of the wooden fence are excluded from the scheduling to allow for its maintenance.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as it makes a significant contribution to our understanding or appreciation of the past as a cup and ring marked stone, dating to the Neolithic or Early Bronze Age. As a large stone carved with prehistoric abstract carvings it forms an important part of the contemporary prehistoric landscape and of wider Atlantic rock art traditions. It is a good example of a single stone with a dense carving of motifs. The monument adds to our understanding of the nature, meaning and function of prehistoric rock art and can be compared to other rock art panels in the vicinity. As such it can enhance our understanding of prehistoric ritual, ceremony and belief. Although the stone has been relocated, it has not been moved far and makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the prehistoric landscape in which it was located. It was a part of a wider complex of contemporary sites which included other examples of rock art, settlement and ceremonial monuments.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography
No Bibliography entries for this designation

trove.scot

https://www.trove.scot/place/80714/

HER/SMR Reference

NJ54NE0035

Source: Historic Environment Scotland