Description

The monument comprises three cup-and-ring marked rock outcrops which are situated within a protective enclosure 230m NW of Dunchragaig cairn.

The largest and most profusely decorated rock-sheet bears some seventeen cups with double rings, fifteen cups with single rings, and at least 127 plain cupmarks. To the W there is an outcrop on which there are ten plain cupmarks. On a further outcrop is a cup with single ring and a plain cupmark.

The area to be scheduled measures 30m in diameter to include the visible carvings and an area around in which associated remains may survive, as marked in red on the attached map extract.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved example of prehistoric rock carving which forms part of the densest and most elaborate concentration of later Neolithic and Bronze Age carvings in Scotland. The importance of this rock has been recognised since the nineteenth century and has been the subject of several major studies. In addition, it is part of a group of broadly contemporary ritual and funerary monuments in Kilmartin Valley, a 'ritual landscape' which has the potential to provide information about later Neolithic and Bronze Age ritual practices and, by inference, society.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NR 89 NW 30.
Historic Environment Scotland Properties
Baluachraig Cup & Ring Mark Rocks
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/kilmartin-glen-baluachraig-rock-art
Find out more

Source: Historic Environment Scotland