The artefactual evidence from Neolithic south-east Scotland is less well-known than it deserves to be. It offers fascinating insights into the changing patterns of contacts with areas outside of the region between about 3800 BC and 2500 BC, and includes some spectacular items with intriguing stories to tell. These include the axeheads of jadeitite, originating in the north Italian Alps, that were brought to the region by the incoming farmers from the Nord-Pas de Calais region of northern France around the 38th century BC; everyday and special-purpose axeheads of Langdale tuff, imported from Cumbria; and exquisite all-over-polished flint axeheads.
