The deer carvings, the first clear examples of their kind from the Neolithic to Early Bronze Age in the UK, are a fresh reminder of just how long Scotland has been inhabited.
Evidence of early human habitation can be found all over the country.
From the remote isles of the north to the rolling hills of the Lowlands, Scotland has an abundance of Neolithic sites you can visit.
All of them predate the founding of the nation, and some of them were even constructed before the pyramids.
Peter Irvine, author of travel guide Scotland the Best, takes a look at 15 of the best prehistoric sites to visit in Scotland.
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From the remote isles of the north to the rolling hills of the Lowlands, Scotland has an abundance of Neolithic sites you can visit.
5. Mousa Broch - Shetland
On island of Mousa off Shetland mainland 20km S of Lerwick. To see it properly take the Mousa Boat from Sandsayre Pier. Takes 15 mins. Isolated in its island fastness, this is the best-preserved broch in Scotland. Walls are 13m high (originally 15m) and galleries run up the middle, in one case to the top. Photo: Creative Commons
6. Crannog Centre - Kenmore, nr Aberfeldy
On S Loch Tay road 1km Kenmore. Superb reconstruction of Iron Age dwelling (there are several under the loch). Credible and worthwhile archaeological project, great for kids: conveys history well. Displays in progress and human story told by pleasant costumed humans. Photo: Stephen Mansfield
7. Kilmartin Glen - nr Lochgilphead
An important, easily accessible area. Possibly start 2km S of Kilmartin and 1km (signed) from A816 and across road from car park, two distinct stone circles from a long period of history between 3000-1200BC. Story and speculations described on boards. Pastoral countryside and wide skies. Look for the ‘cup and saucer’! Photo: Creative Commons
8. Tomb of the Eagles - Orkney Mainland
Around 33km S of Kirkwall at the foot of South Ronaldsay; signed from Burwick. A relatively recent discovery, the excavation of this cliff cave is on private land. Ethereal stuff. Photo: Creative Commons