Description

The monument comprises an extensive area of rock outcrop carved with several groups of cup and ring markings. The carvings, which are probably of early Bronze Age date (about 1500 BC) are on a small rocky knoll. They are in four groups, each with three to five cupmarks, several of which are also ringed, and a fifth group of two about 10m away to the SSW. There are various other outcrops with more or less convincing cupmarks in the general vicinity. These are not covered by this proposal, which only deals with those markings described above and at the distance from the farm specified in the title of the monument. The area to be scheduled is a rectangle, centred on the main group of carvings and including them, the nearby outlying group and an area around in which evidence relating to the carving and possible ritual use of the site may survive. It measures a maximum of 40m NE-SW by 30m, as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of importance as a member of a large group of such carvings in Galloway, 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 74 NW 43 and NX 74 NW 28.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland