An unusual discovery...
When Forestry Commission Scotland were building mountain bike trails at the 7stanes centres in the forests of the south of Scotland, seven large ‘stanes’ were discovered. These were no ordinary stanes - they all had mysterious inscriptions carved into them.
To shed some light on these objects and their carvings, a prominent archaeologist, Professor Ralph Deeson, set out to cast his insightful eye over the puzzle that became known as The Mystery of the Seven Stanes on the 7stanes. (Prof Deeson has written a full account of his investigation - see below).
Complete the puzzle - solve the mystery
With the help of the Prof Deeson's notes below, you can undertake your own journey of discovery across all the 7stanes. By collecting the inscriptions on each of the seven stanes, you can complete the puzzle that’s printed in the competition entry form - and as a reward, you’ll receive a certificate and have a tree planted on your behalf in a designated south of Scotland forest.
You can also pick up a 'mystery of the 7stanes' leaflet from the 7stanes centres at Glentress, Mabie, Ae, Glentrool and Kirroughtree.
Send us your completed forms
The quest runs until 31 March 2009. Send completed forms in hard copy to: Margaret Bryden, Forestry Commission Scotland, 55/57 Moffat Road, Dumfries, DG1 1NP.
We'll send you your certificate and let you know in which forest a tree will be planted on your behalf. The local Forest Districts will be planting both conifers and broadleaf trees, and after 31 March 09 a plaque will be put up at each of the forests involved to note the contribution of the 7stanes riders and visitors to the planting.
If you need further details, please email margaret.bryden@forestry.gsi.gov.uk or contact her at the address above.
Good luck on your quest to solve The Mystery of the Seven Stanes on the 7stanes, and ride safely.