THE renowned Cochno Stone is set to be given special environmental protection after campaigning by Clydebank’s former MSP.

Gil Paterson wrote to West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) last month to request that the site, in Auchnacraig Park in Faifley, be designated as a Local Landscape Area (LLA).

The stone, with carvings thought to date from between 3000 and 2000 BC, is one of the largest and most spectacular panels of prehistoric rock art in Britain.

The carvings were first recorded in the 1880s, but the stone was buried in 1965 to protect it from vandalism before being re-excavated five years ago.

In his original letter on the issue, Mr Paterson, who retired before last month’s election, said he had been “amazed” by the interest shown in protecting the site and displaying the stone to a wider audience.

In a response to Mr Paterson seen by the Post, a spokesperson from the council’s planning and building standards said: “The easiest way of doing this is to extend the existing Kilpatrick Hill Local Landscape Area boundary to cover the stones.

“The council has seen merit in a Local Landscape Area for the Cochno Stone and have an indicative view of what the extension should cover in hectares, but we need to procure further landscape advice to assist with the process.

“We have contacted NatureScot as well and they have offered help and guidance and we will need to involve Historic Environment Scotland as the stones is a scheduled monument.

“We will try and undertake all the landscape work and consultation over the summer. We are happy to discuss this further with Gil and possibly discuss this on site with him if that is easier.”