Neolithic rock art dug up after 50 years

● Ancient Cochno Stone to be unearthed and copied to provide clues to history

One of Scotland’s most important prehistoric artworks is set to see the light of day for the first time in 50 years.

The 5,000-year-old Cochno Stone is one of the best examples of cup and ring markings dating from the Neolithic or Bronze Age found in Europe.

It is now being fully excavated for the first time since the 1960s, when it was buried to protect it from vandalism.

The stone, which measures 8m by 13m, was discovered by Reverend James Harvey in 1887 on farmland near what is now the Faifley housing estate on the edge of Clydebank.

The rock slab is decorated with around 90 carved indentations, known as cups, and grooved spirals, along with a ringed cross and a pair of fourtoed feet.

Because of the array of markings on it, the Cochno Stone has been recognised as being of national importance and is designated as a scheduled monument.

In 1965, experts at Glasgow University recommended the stone should be buried under several feet of soil to safeguard the carvings from further damage by vandals. It has remained covered ever since.

It is regarded as one of the UK’S most important, but also one of its most neglected, prehistoric sites.

The new excavation will utilise cutting-edge technology used to locate an undiscovered chamber in the tomb of Tutankhamun to create a detailed digital record of the site.

Experts hope high-resolution 3D imaging will provide new insights into the stone’s history and purpose and the people who created the rock artwork around 3000 BC.

Dr Kenny Brophy, from the University of Glasgow who specialises in urban archaeology, is leading the dig.

“This is the biggest and I 0 The Cochno Stone was buried to protect it from harm would argue one of the most important Neolithic art panels in Europe,” he said.

“The cup and ring marks are extensive but the site just happens to be in the middle of an urban housing scheme in Clydebank. It was last fully open to the elements and the public up until 1965.

“Sadly, as it was neglected it was also being damaged through vandalism and people just traipsing all over it.”

A trial excavation undertaken last year revealed that the stone is still in good condition, but that modern graffiti is likely extensive across its surface.

Once studies are complete, experts plan to create a fullsize replica of the stone before reburying the original. The copy will reflect the various layers of history by including the modern graffiti on the prehistoric surface.

The project is a collaboration between the Factum Foundation for Digital Technology in Conservation and the University of Glasgow.

Ferdinand Saumarez Smith, who is leading the digital imaging team, said: “Factum Foundation captured the world’s attention through its 3D scanning work that led to the discovery of evidence of a new chamber in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

“With the Cochno Stone, we are going to use similar recording methods to bring the world’s attention to Scotland’s equally important, mysterious and beautiful heritage.

“The Cochno Stone was taken away from the people of Clydebank in 1965 because of vandalism.

“We are going to show how digital technology can be used to resurrect this lost monument and give it back to the people it belongs to, because we believe that if we trust people they will look after it.”