25/07/2025
Achnabreck Cup and Ring Marks: Prehistoric Scotland’s Enigma.
The ancient carvings at Achnabreck, located in Kilmartin Glen, Scotland, are among the most remarkable examples of prehistoric rock art in Europe. Dating back 4,000 to 6,000 years, these Neolithic or early Bronze Age engravings consist of circular depressions (cups) encircled by rings and linked by grooves.
Some of these motifs stretch up to a meter across, making Achnabreck one of the largest and most intricate examples of such carvings in the UK. Their purpose remains uncertain—perhaps ritualistic, territorial, or astronomical.
Surrounded by burial cairns, standing stones, and other ancient monuments, the site suggests that Kilmartin Glen held deep spiritual or social meaning. These enduring patterns still captivate modern observers, preserving the mysteries of an ancient culture carved into stone.