Andy Buntin for Forestry Commission Scotland in West Argyll said: ‘We discovered the new rock art during a routine inspection of trees that had been blown down or up-rooted during the high winds - so it seems this time the damage and disruption caused by the gales has uncovered something good!
‘West Argyll is renowned for its archaeological importance with 46 scheduled ancient monuments and the site is one of the three largest ring-marked sites in Britain.
‘The importance of the site and the reasons for the carvings remain a topic of speculation and despite public and academic interest, the meanings of the symbols remains mysterious. But we do know that they date back to the Late Neolithic and Early Bronze Age. Initially the carvings were found on boulders and outcrops of rock overlooking major routes, hunting grounds, water-holes and hunting spots. This suggests a link with herding or hunting wild animals, although the presence on hillsides may indicate that they mark out boundaries between farmland and wild ground - perhaps an association with territorial ownership. Later on many boulders were incorporated into burials and cairns where they separate boundaries between sacred areas.
‘The rock is very close to the popular Fire Tower mountain bike trail which means that for years, people have been cycling or walking past a prehistoric find! We will be re-routing part of the trail to ensure the carving is protected and opening up access for people to view the rock.’
Forestry Commission Scotland - with advice from Historic Scotland and Kilmartin House Museum - plan to carry out further evaluation work to determine the full extent of the find. The Fire Tower trail will be closed for another two-three weeks due to storm damage but the walking paths to the other rock art sites remain open.
Argyllshire Advertiser
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