Description

The monument comprises a large cupmarked boulder that lies in improved pasture. The nature of the carvings suggests a date in the Bronze Age.

The boulder measures 3.7m in length, 2.3m wide and 1.2m in height. At least 21 cupmarks, the largest measuring 80mm in diameter, are visible on its upper surface. Three have been subject to more recent drilling, perhaps as an effort to break up the stone.

The area to be scheduled is circular on plan, to include the boulder and an area around in which evidence for its use may survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

Cultural Significance

The monument's archaeological significance can be expressed as follows:

Intrinsic characteristics: The Brawlands stone bears well-preserved cupmarkings that have the potential to enhance the study of Bronze Age communities and their ritual practices in Britain and Ireland.

Contextual characteristics: The ritual association of cupmarking is evidenced by their occurrence at 12 central Grampian stone circles where they are located either on the recumbent (eg Sunhoney) or the flankers of the stone adjacent to the recumbent (eg Loanhead). Recent research has shown that the cupmarks cluster here at the point where the (major standstill) moon rises or sets. Cupmarks, either on their own or as cup and rings are also found on boulders and outcrops with no apparent associated features and on stones within cists.

National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular of the ritual life of Bronze Age communities in Grampian and their cultural links with other areas of the British Isles.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded by RCAHMS as NJ42NE 48.

References:

Shepherd I A G 1986, EXPLORING SCOTLAND'S HERITAGE, Edinburgh.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland