Situated on a rocky outcrop on Dalmany beach. The figure is as described although the protective iron grill is no longer in place (NMR 1974) The figure is open to continuous weathering and possible human disturbance.
[Edit:]
The site is a figure carved in relief into a natural rock outcrop located on a minor promontory between Cramond village and Dalmeny House. The name of Eagle Rock (also recorded as 'Hunter's Craig' on previous maps) comes from the carved figure thought by some to represent an eagle, and may be connected with the nearby Roman fort at Cramond. It has alternatively been interpreted as a representation of the Roman god Mercury, or as a possible pagan shrine. The carving is in such a worn and weathered state that it is extremely difficult to identify. Its age, origin, and purpose are probably best described as unknown.
Location
318450.00
677430.00
27700
55.9828911
-3.3085699
Submitted photographs
Image
Date
Caption
User
10/03/2014
Eagle Rock view towards the sea
Laurens
10/03/2014
Eagle Rock pathway
Laurens
10/03/2014
Eagle Rock carving
Laurens
10/03/2014
Eagle Rock from the East
Laurens
Submitted updates
Update id
Date
User
1589
10/03/2014
Laurens
Tidal state
Low
Site located?
Yes
Proximity to coast edge
Coast edge
Visibility above ground
Highly visible (substantial remains)
Visibility in section
Not visible
Access
accessible on foot (footpath)
Local knowledge
has local associations/history
Description
Situated on a rocky outcrop on Dalmany beach. The figure is as described although the protective iron grill is no longer in place (NMR 1974) The figure is open to continuous weathering and possible human disturbance.
[Edit:]
The site is a figure carved in relief into a natural rock outcrop located on a minor promontory between Cramond village and Dalmeny House. The name of Eagle Rock (also recorded as 'Hunter's Craig' on previous maps) comes from the carved figure thought by some to represent an eagle, and may be connected with the nearby Roman fort at Cramond. It has alternatively been interpreted as a representation of the Roman god Mercury, or as a possible pagan shrine. The carving is in such a worn and weathered state that it is extremely difficult to identify. Its age, origin, and purpose are probably best described as unknown.
The carving is already so weathered that it is difficult to believe that anything can be conclusively determined from it. Accurate scanning with 3D modelling techniques seems unlikely to help identify the origin or subject of the carving. I can't think of any useful dating evidence that could be uncovered for an in situ carving on a natural rock.
Comments
The carving is above the waterline by c.1.0m, and even the lower parts of the rocky promontory on which it was made show little sign of being at serious risk from sea erosion in the near future. However, the eastern side of the rock appears very worn and weathered, and this is the side on which the figure has been carved.
The carving on the rock seems to be generally associated with the Romans, probably thanks to the nearby remains of a Roman fort which is located at Cramond around 600m to the East. The condition of the site makes this difficult to substantiate. The site is still as observed in previous surveys; highly worn and therefore likely to remain of indeterminable origin. There is still no protective grill, recorded as present in 1974 and lost by 1996. Although described as 'defaced' by Historic Scotland, I saw nothing to suggest this is an ongoing issue.
