Region : Strathclyde District : Argyll & Bute Town or village : Cairnbaan Grid Reference : NR 855 906 Period : 3rd-2nd millennium BC Achnabreck CUP-AND-RING MARKINGS

This is the most extensive group of prehistoric rock-carvings in Scotland. The largest decorated rock outcrop of the group, on the edge of a forest east of Cairnbaan, bears many plain cupmarks often linked by grooves and at least 50 cup-and-ring markings, one of which has nine rings. Other unusual carvings are one triple-spiral and two double-spiral motifs (one is visible in the foreground of the photo) and one of the largest cup-and-ring markings yet recorded (0.97m in diameter). Some 150m to the east there is another rock outcrop (NR 857 906) decorated with at least 15 multi-ringed cupmarks. Another decorated rock-sheet is 140m to the east of the main group. In care of Historic Scotland

Other rock carvings ------------------ Achnabreck Ballochmyle Ballygowan Baluachraig Cairnbaan High Banks Holm of Papa Westray South Kilmichael Glassary Monzie Newbigging Ormaig Other sites in Strathclyde ---------------------- Achnabreck Achnacree (Carn Ban) Auchagallon Ballochmyle Ballochroy Ballygowan Ballymeanoch Baluachraig Beacharra Cairnbaan Dervaig A Dervaig B Dervaig C Dunchraigaig East Bennan Kilmichael Glassary Kintraw Lamlash (Blairmore Glen) Lochbuie Machrie Moor 1 Machrie Moor 2 Machrie Moor 3 Machrie Moor 4 Machrie Moor 5 Machrie Moor 6 Moss Farm Road Nether Largie Mid Nether Largie North Nether Largie South Nether Largie Standing Stones Normangill Ormaig Ri Cruin Strontoiller Temple Wood Torrylin