Description

The monument comprises a group of cup-and-ring marked stones of prehistoric date.

The monument lies in rough grassland and scrub, at around 150m OD. It comprises a cluster of at least seven cupmarked, and cup-and-ring marked, rock outcrops. One example bears at least 7 isolated cupmarks, 6 cups each within a ring, 1 cup within 2 rings, and a more complex 3-ring design. Others are less elaborate, but several display complex combinations of cup and ring markings.

Rock carvings of this kind are thought to date principally to the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods, and to have been related to acts of ritual and religious significance. The location of these examples, close to several known burial monuments and other groups of rock carvings, suggests that the area as a whole was important for prehistoric burial and ritual.

The area proposed for scheduling comprises the remains described and an area around them within which related material may be expected to be found. It is irregular in shape, with maximum dimensions of 120m NE-SW by 55m NW-SE, as marked in red on the accompanying map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its potential to contribute to our understanding of prehistoric ritual practices. Its importance is increased by its proximity to other monuments of potentially contemporary date.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NN 50 SE 8

References:

Naddair, K. (et al.) (1992) 'Menteith (Port of Menteith parish): rock carvings', Discovery Excav Scot, 19.

RCAHMS (1979) The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. The archaeological sites and monuments of Stirling District, Central Region, The archaeological sites and monuments of Scotland series no. 7, Edinburgh, 12, No. 66.

Van Hoek, M. (1989) 'Survey, Menteith (Port of Menteith parish) rock art sites', Discovery Excav Scot, 10.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland