Rock Art Database

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Section A. CORE INFORMATION

A1. Identifiers

Classifications And Periods

County

MIDLOTHIAN

A2. Grid Reference(original find site)

A3. Current Location & Provenance

Section B. CONTEXT

B1. Landscape Context

B2. Current land use & vegetation

• No selection

B3. Forestry

• No selection

B4. Archaeological Features within 200m / or visible from the panel

• No selection

B5. Location Notes

The carvings are as described in the previous records. They are difficult to access and record. The carvings are on several vertical faces of the rock shelter, and on the sloping surface close to its base. The motifs are pecked and fresh-looking, and there is no evidence that they have a prehistoric origin. They include a range of forms as described in the previous Canmore record. They are similar to Passage Tomb/Megalithic Art motifs, more commonly found within Neolithic burial monuments, such as in Newgrange and other passage tombs in the Boyne Valley, Ireland. It is highly likely that these carvings are 18th-19th century replicas, forming part of the other curiosities carved on outcrops within Roslin Glen, such as the triple spiral on a vertical, rock-cut face on the stairway leading down to the rock shelter and Wallace's Cave. Roslin Glen was a well-known tourist destination in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the carvings at Gorton House may tie in to antiquarian and public interest in the prehistoric carvings at Newgrange, which were first discovered in 1699.

Previous Notes

Photographed and described by Childe. V G Childe and J Taylor 1939

NT26SE 18 2802 6324 A most unusual, well-preserved series of carvings occur on the vertical faces of a shallow recess on an almost inaccessible rock ledge above the River Esk, 30 yds N of Wallace's Cave (NT26SE 19) and 8 yds below it. Circles, spirals, triangles, on S-motif, a shield and other geometric marks and grooves are incised on the rock. These figures are quite unlike the more normal Bronze Age markings, and may be of a different date (J N G Ritchie and A Ritchie 1972). V G Childe and J Taylor 1939; R W B Morris 1969; R W B Morris 1981; J N G Ritchie and A Ritchie 1972; RCAHMS 1988 NT 2802 6324. It was not possible to examine the scribings closely as they are situated in a precipitous cliff. Approach from the E bank of the river was not possible, but the marks can be clearly seen from the opposite bank, and are well-preserved. Visited by OS (JLD) 3 September 1954 Although these markings could not be located, various photographs, in the possession of Mr Taylor show some to resemble markings of Bronze Age date, i.e. rings and grooves, but no cups. Visited by OS (SFS) 29 October 1975.

Section C. PANEL

C1. Panel Type

C2. Panel Dimensions, Slope & Orientation

C3. Rock Surface

C4. Surface Features

• No selection

C5. Panel Notes

No notes added

C6. Probability

The probability that there is any rock art on the panel is not mentioned

Comments

No comments added

C7. MOTIFS

Visible Tool Marks? No

Visible Peck Marks? No

Section D. ACCESS, AWARENESS & RISK

D1. Access

• No selection

D2. Awareness

• No selection

There are stories or folk traditions associated with this panel No

D3. Risk

Natural

• No selection

Animal

Human

• No selection

Comments and other potential threats

No comments added