“Cupmarked Stones in Strathtay” is a guide to the prehistoric rock carvings of the Breadalbane area which were identified and recorded by the Society between the 1960s and 1980s. 

The driving force behind the project was Sonia Yellowlees, founder of the Breadalbane Heritage Society and its first chairman.  The results of her’s and others’ research over twenty years were to have been an article in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries in Scotland. 

However, the book was finally published under the auspices of Perth and Kinross Heritage Trust as a memorial to Sonia in 2005 after her sad and sudden death in June 2003.

In his Foreword to this booklet, Gordon Stark, the Chairman of the Breadalbane Heritage Society at the time of publication in 2005, noted the following:

“Stones and rocks bearing cup-marks are the commonest visible reminder of the people who lived in Upper Strathtay in prehistoric times.  Less conspicuous than standing stones, they are literally passed by as local people walk their dogs and visitors explore our beautiful countryside.

With encouragement from the archaeologist, Dr. Margaret Stewart, Sonia Yellowlees founded the Breadalbane Archaeological and Historical Society in 1962 and embarked on a survey of cup-marked stones.  In the area around Aberfeldy, she recorded more than 50 stones between Balnaguard in the east and Bridge of Lyon in the west.  For more than 40 years, Sonia’s charm and enthusiasm inspired the Society, which later became the Breadalbane Heritage Society of which she was made Honorary Patron in March 2003.

Following her unexpected death all too soon thereafter, it was felt that publication of Sonia’s work on cup-marked stones would be the most fitting commemoration of her outstanding contribution.  We hope that this booklet will also encourage local residents and visitors to locate, examine and wonder at some of these enigmatic relics of an ancient culture”.

This booklet can be purchased at the Aberfeldy Watermill Bookshop, Gallery & Cafe (www.aberfeldywatermill.com)

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