This is the first glimpse for more than 50 years of an ancient Neolithic stone dating back to 3000BC.

The Cochno Stone, described as the most important Neolithic cup-and-ring-marked rock art panel in Europe, has been unearthed in Clydebank.

It is the first time it has been seen since it was buried in 1965 to protect it from vandalism.

The stone lies close to a housing estate near Faifley, West Dunbartonshire, regarded as one of the UK’s most important and most neglected prehistoric sites.

Archaeologists will now use 3D imaging technology to make a detailed digital record of the site to find out more about its history, purpose and the people who created it about 5000 years ago.

Dr Kenny Brophy, from the University of Glasgow, who specialises in urban archaeology, is leading the excavation at the site next to Cochno Farm.

He said: “This is the biggest and I would argue one of the most important Neolithic art panels in Europe. The cup and ring marks are extensive but the site just happens to be in the middle of an urban housing scheme in Clydebank.

“It was last fully open to the elements and the public up until 1965. Sadly as it was neglected it was also being damaged through vandalism and people just traipsing all over it. 

“So renowned archaeologist Ludovic Maclellan Mann, with a team of experts, decided the best way to preserve it was to cover it over to protect it from further damage. And it has lain underground ever since.

“It has been well recorded for archaeological purposes but we now feel the time, and the technology, is right to unearth it and see what new elements we can learn about its history and the people who created it. The local community is very engaged in what we plan to do, and seem very proud to have this amazing prehistoric gem right on their door step.”

The stone itself reflects the issues around the preservation of cultural heritage in the face of urbanisation. 

A trial excavation undertaken in September last year found that the stone was still in good condition but that modern graffiti was probably extensive across its surface.

The 3D image version will reflect these various layers of history by including the pre-1965 graffiti as well as the prehistoric surface.

After data is collected from the Cochno Stone, it will be reburied.