We are delighted to announce that brand-new sections of the Future Thinking on Carved Stones (FTCSS) framework, as well as five new case studies, are now available on the ScARF website. In the decade since the publication of FTCSS, rock art research, especially digital recording, has developed significantly in Scotland. These new sections compliment the original framework, while enhancing the areas relevant to prehistoric rock art studies.
An expanded overview of prehistoric rock art in Scotland, and a detailed look at the digital recording of rock art have been written by Dr Joana Valdez-Tullett and Dr Tertia Barnett as part of a Royal Society of Edinburgh funded project to update FTCSS and regional research frameworks.
The case studies offer an insight into Scotland’s Rock Art Project (ScRAP), the globally important site of Dunchraigaig Cairn and the contemporary significance of rock art, as well as closer analyses of the rock art found in the Highlands and South West Scotland.
Please head to the links below to read the new sections and case studies:
2.1 Prehistoric Rock Art
3.3.2 Digital Recording
FTCSS Case Studies
Remember, registered users can now comment directly on the ScARF website to add new research, key sites or feedback to any of our frameworks. Instructions for registering and adding comments can be found here.
We celebrated the launch of the updated rock art chapters with a hybrid event at Kilmartin Museum on Saturday the 16th of May, where a range of experts delivered presentations about different aspects of rock art research, display and protection.
This was the final event in a series of four, held across Scotland in 2025 and 2026. The original three workshops, funded by the Royal Society of Edinburgh, were used to develop these new thematic sections of the Scottish Archaeological Research Framework, complementing Future Thinking on Carved Stones and the regional research frameworks.
At the event in Kilmartin, we enjoyed a morning of talks, followed by a tour of Kilmartin Museum where a temporary display showcases local rock art discoveries. We then took a fieldtrip to explore the fascinating prehistoric rock art site of Achnabrek.
We would like to extend our thanks to all the speakers, volunteers and participants in the rock art workshops over the past year, and especially to Dr Tertia Barnett and Dr Joana Valdez-Tullett for their dedicated work on this exciting project.
