Description

The monument comprises a rock outcrop carved with several sets of cup and ring markings.

The main carved outcrop measures over 9m by 3m, and is almost horizontal. It bears seven "panels" of carvings, each with several cups some of which are surrounded by up to three rings. In addition there are a few more unusual carvings, including gapped rings and one oval surrounding two cupmarks. The carvings are probably of early Bronze Age date, perhaps around 1500 BC.

The area to be scheduled is a square of side 20m, its S boundary formed by a field boundary, which is excluded. The area contains all of the known carved outcrops plus an area around in which further carvings and evidence relating to the carving and possible ritual use of the site may survive, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance as a complex member of a large group of such carvings in Galloway. These were probably created in the Bronze Age. The purpose of these carvings is not known, but they may be an expression of the territorial possession or claims of particular groups. Study of these monuments may, in time, contribute to our understanding of prehistoric social organisation.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

The monument is recorded in the RCAHMS as NX 64 NE 11.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland