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The "most important Neolithic cup and ring marked rock art panel in Europe" is being unearthed for the first time in 50 years on the edge of a housing estate in Clydebank near Glasgow.
The Cochno Stone, dating back to 3000BC, and one of the best examples of Neolithic or Bronze Age cup and ring markings in Europe, is being fully excavated for the first time since it was buried in 1965 to protect it from vandalism.
The stone, which lies on land next to a housing estate near Faifley, in West Dunbartonshire, is regarded as one of the UK's most important, but also one of its most neglected, prehistoric sites.
The excavation will provide the opportunity to use cutting-edge 3-D imaging technology to make a detailed digital record of the site, which should shine more light on the stone's history, its purpose and the people who created the artwork around 5,000 years ago.
Dr Kenny Brophy, from the University of Glasgow who specialises in urban archaeology, is leading the excavation at the site next to Cochno Farm.
He said: "This is the biggest and I would argue one of the most important Neolithic art panels in Europe. The cup and ring marks are extensive but the site just happens to be in the middle of an urban housing scheme in Clydebank.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 09 2016, @08:02PM
You said it.
Archaeological artifacts must be protected and preserved. Leaving them to whatever passing hooligans may do is an abdication of responsibility.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 09 2016, @09:12PM
You should have met the prehistoric hooligans who decorated this old rock 5000 years ago. You wouldn't consider it art if you knew the artists.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Friday September 09 2016, @11:03PM
Touche.
But you don't know the artists either. You have no idea.