Is it an ancient map, symbolic portals of reincarnation, astronomical constellations, or ceremonial markers for sacrifice?

Is the stone perhaps a representation of something entirely unknown?

Ever since the 5,000-year-old mysterious Cochno stone was discovered, scientists have been scratching their heads trying to figure out its true meaning. Today, they are not closer to solving this ancient mystery.

There are many beautiful cup-marks in Scotland. These very ancient carvings are the key to ancient art of our ancestors.

These strange marks have puzzled both researchers and layman alike for more than a century.

The Cochno stone which measures 42ft by 26ft was discovered by the Reverend James Harvey in 1887 in Scotland.

Cochno is the name of a historic estate where the noble Hamilton family had their seat. Today, the estate, and with it Cochno House is owned by Glasgow University’s School of Veterinary medicine.

The stone lies off the Cochno Road near Clydebank’s Faifley housing estate on land half owned privately and half by West Dunbartonshire Council.

It is an incredible array of ancient art, also sometimes known as the Druid Stone.

The stone is covered in about 90 carved indentations, or “cups”, and grooved spirals, along with a ringed cross and a pair of four-toed feet.

Drawing of the patterns in the Cochno Stone.

It is widely recognized as “one of Scotland finest collections of petroglyphs”. The problem is that no-one understand the meaning of these petroglyphs or the stone’s purpose.

History researcher Alexander McCallum says there are several interpretations for the carvings.

He said: “Some people think that the Cochno Stone is a map showing the other settlements in the Clyde Valley – that’s one of the theories.