Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM5488_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600011388)

Summary

Description

This cluster of cup-and-ring marked rock outcrops is situated on the W shoulder of Creag Mhor, largely in a forest clearing, about 320m S of Ormaig farmsteading. The cluster consists of two principal groups of marks as well as four lesser sets.

The lower of the two major exposures is a gently sloping rock-sheet on which the decoration is divided into two sections; the E half was only revealed in 1974 and the carvings are unusually fresh, with individual peckmarks clearly visible. There are some nineteenth century graffitti and a mass of carvings, including three 'rosettes'.

A short distance N of the above is a steeply sloping finger of bare rock, which is much weathered. It is profusely decorated with designs which include closely spaced cups, rings and channels. A most unusual feature for Scottish rock art is a series of 7 short parallel grooves. To the W and N of these main groups are four smaller outcrops bearing a variety of cupmarks and cups with single rings, some with gutters.

The area to be scheduled measures 55m from NNE to SSW by 40 transversely, to include all the carvings and an area around in which associated remains may survive.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it is a well-preserved cluster of early prehistoric rock carvings which are not only diverse, but include a number of unusual features. In terms of quality this group compares well with similar sites in Kilmartin Valley which are now in the guardianship of the Secretary of State; together this remarkable concentration can be compared with similar regional groups in Strathtay, the Machars if Wigtown and in Northumberland, and has the potential to provide information about late Neolithic or Bronze Age life, particularly its ritual aspects.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.