Archaeology Notes

Event ID 704186

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/704186

NS77NE 15 7548 7611.

(NS 7548 7611) Standing Stone (NR)

OS 6" map (1946)

On Carrickstone Farm is a large stone called the 'Standing Stone'. Though it bears no inscription, it has the appearance of a Roman altar. It has a hole in it, where, tradition says, Robert the Bruce planted his standard before the battle of Bannockburn.

NSA 1845 (J Watson)

A stone, standing on a knoll overlooking Dullatar and Cumbernauld, is said to have been a Roman altar. 'It is of buff coloured sand stone, and measures 3ft 1in in height, and 2ft 4ins by 1ft 9ins in breadth and width upon the top, narrowing considerably in the middle of its height, and expanding again to the bottom.'

In the top are some 'cup markings'. The 2 larger cups are about 8ins in diameter and 4 1/2ins in depth; the 2 smaller do not exceed 3ins in diameter.

W A Donelly 1897

This stone stands upon a stone base within a small fenced enclosure. It strongly resembles a Roman altar, with concave sides and ribbed capital and base. The top is pitted with 2 large, and 2 small "cups" - probably formed by both weathering and mutilation. The stone measures 0.4 x 0.6 x 4.1m high. The first part of a 19th century date can be faintly read on the south face.

The letters "CAR---" can be faintly traced on one of the ribs of the head of the stone, on the north face, but would appear to be of modern origin.

Visited by OS (JLD) 18 March 1957

This stone is a Roman Altar. The stone is now in a mutilated condition, and any original inscription has been obliterated. Its general shape, however, and such traces of mouldings as survive round its base and head show it to be undoubtedly Roman.

Information from K A Steer (RCAHMS), letter, 12 December 1957.

(NS 7548 7611) Roman Altar (R)

OS 1:10000 map (1976)

The weathered stone, still enclosed by its metal fence, is as described.

Visited by OS (MJF) 30 May 1980