Staff from the Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) have identified evidence of prehistoric ritual activity at Patterton Quarry, Newton Mearns. This evaluation followed on from a desk-based assessment and walkover survey conducted in advance of a planning application for a proposed residential development on the site.
During the course of the initial walkover survey, A previously-unrecored cup marked rock was identified. This site comprised at least two small cup marks, possibly dating to the Bronze Age, and waslocated on the north facing slope of the area proposed for development. Although partially overgrown with grass when noted during the walkover, the rock has extensive views to the north, taking in a broad sweep of the Clyde Valley towards the Campsie and Old Kilpatrick Hills. Other cup-markings have been previously identified in the surrounding landscape. In 1977, Dr T.C. Welsh identified one cup and ring mark and one ring, both 14cms in diameter, on stones in the west wall of the old stable at Barcapel Holm farm, while another group comprising three cupmarks, one of which is partly ringed, have been recorded on an outcrop of rock that is flush with the ground in long grass and thin woodland at the southern end of Rouken Glen Park.
The intial field survey also identified a grass-covered mound, close to the northern edge of Patterton Quarry. This mound had a number of large rocks protruding through the surface, and it is possiblecould be an outcrop of bedrock or a waste heap associated with Patterton Quarry, which has been added to by field clearance. It may however represent some earlier form of cairn activity, which has been similarly enhanced.
Following on from the initial walkover survey, evaluation trenching was conducted across the area proposed for development. This identified a circular pit containing charcoal and cremated bone, and was interpreted as likely to represent the remains of a deliberate human cremation, possibly dating from the Bronze Age. Two small circular features were also noted elsewhere on the site, and though their function is not clear, they may represent post- or stake holes.