Scottish Tour Guide's Blog

This morning, with a combination of sub zero temperatures and blue skies I ventured off to Duncarnock, the site of a prehistoric iron-age fort near Barrhead. Elevation is over 200m which affords superb views over Glasgow and the Campsie Fells in the distance. As Glasgow remains badly affected by arctic weather journey there was quite an ordeal. Image no 2 below shows the road conditions which I had to traverse on my bike followed by a trudge through deep snow for about 15 minutes to scale the summit. However, the arduous trip was worth the energy as the views and snow sparkling in the sunlight proved a good reward.

Image below (together with this video clip)  shows the city of Glasgow and Campsie Fells in the background.  Decision to take my long lens was vindicated.

Snowbound Glasgow and Paisley

Here is the local road providing access to the site. continue reading…

This afternoon, I visited what is believed to be an Iron-Age (1st century AD) site named Duncarnock Fort near Barrhead which the locals have named ‘The Craigie’.

The site is 204m high and is naturally defended by a near-vertical face on the west and crags around the north and east sides. On the top there is evidence of walls and an entrance.

Although the site has never been excavated, archaeologists have provisionally assigned an Iron-Age date (1st century AD) with occupation possible lasting until the 8th century.

The site is very similar in size and elevation to that of the more famous Dunadd site near Kilmartin Glen.

As regards the name, ‘Dun’ means ‘Fort’ and I suspect that ‘carn’ means ‘rocky hill’ from which follows ‘Fort on the Rocky Hill’ which appears very apposite.

Below is a fixed image of the hill. Whilst the two video clips show (a) the view from the summit and (b) a view of the summit/occupation area.

The site affords superb views of Glasgow and the West. Great place for a picnic on a summers day!

This morning I visited the Arthurlie Cross which is located in the midst of a social housing estate in Barrhead.

The cross is of the ‘Govan School’ of ecclesiastical scuplture and may date from somewhere between the 9th and 11th centuries AD.

Although the cross is believed to originate somewhere in or around Barrhead it was placed in its current position as recently as the 1940s. There has been no archaeological investigation of the monument which extends to some 2 metres/6 feet in height.

The stone comprises the shaft of a cross with the curved surfaces at the top suggesting that it was once a ring-headed cross.

The unworn section (pictured) is covered with panels of interlace carving . Unusually, there is a carved cross in one of the lower panels. The sides are decorated with bands of interlace pattern.

The short video clip (below) should help to fully appreciate this very ancient monument.