This chapter provides an introduction to the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic archaeology of the Clyde Valley study area. It complements and builds on the previous The Mesolithic 2015 study by Dr Nyree Finlay. Together they set out the state of current knowledge, provide a basis for gaps analysis, and supports consideration of future opportunities and priorities in relation to research on these periods within the overall CVARF action research framework. Developments in archaeological research of the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic since the production of Finlay’s essay have brought insights into potential routeways from research into Mesolithic activity at the Chest of Dee and parallels in Daer Valley, as well as enhanced understanding of the Palaeolithic at Howburn Farm indicating occasional occupation of people following migrating reindeer through the valleys of South Lanarkshire.
The concentration of both Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites located within South Lanarkshire highlights the commitment of local community archaeology groups and new impacts of the commercial sector from the development of Windfarms in the Southern Uplands. While South Lanarkshire has an impressive array of both Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites it has not yet permeated academic research. There is a continued lack of sites of these periods in the wider Clyde Valley.