Gil Paterson MSP to host Cochno Stone debate and reception in the Scottish Parliament

Dr Kenneth Brophy (left) and Gil Paterson (Right)

AN EVENING of events in the Scottish Parliament will be held to celebrate a Clydebank archaeology project.
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Gil Paterson MSP is hosting a debate at 4pm then reception at 6pm for the Faifley Rocks! in Holyrood on Wednesday February 19.

The events will focus on the work surrounding local prehistoric rock art sites like the Cochno Stone.
The Faifley site is a giant smooth slab with more than 100 symbols carved into it, dating back 5,000 years.

It has received significant attention from archaeologists, community and media – and the Faifley Rocks! project has big plans for making the stone more accessible to the public.

The debate in the main chamber will feature speeches on prehistoric rock art in Scotland from various MSPs around Scotland.

A reception after will include words from the cabinet secretary, Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs, Fiona Hyslop MSP and others, such as University of Glasgow’s Dr Kenny Brophy, who is spearheading Faifley Rocks!.

It will allow participants of the project to including members of the community, school children, teachers, archaeologists and more, to share their experiences.

Various agencies are involved with the project will be attending, including Knowes Housing Association, Faifley Community Council, West Dunbartonshire Council, Visit Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland and others.

Mr Paterson, MSP for Clydebank and Milngavie, said:

“The Cochno Stone is some of Europe’s oldest prehistoric rock art, and there has been some outstanding archaeology work being carried out on the site in Faifley.

“Faifley Rocks! and Dr Kenny Brophy’s excavations of the site have been something I am very interested in, so bringing it to the Scottish Parliament is a true privilege.

“The debate will include speeches on subject of the Cochno Stone and prehistoric rock art in Scotland, so I am excited to see what my colleagues have to say.

“After, at the parliamentary reception, we will come together and continue speeches and discussions with archaeologists, volunteers, MSPs, ministers, stakeholders and more.

“It is a hallmark moment for archaeology in Clydebank and one I am very pleased to support. Well done again to Dr Brophy and all involved at the Cochno Stone.”

ENDS