A heart formation of quartz stones is to become the first traveller site in Scotland to be officially recognise as a monument of national importance.
The Tinkers’ Heart in Argyll will be protected as a place of high cultural significance Historic Scotland have announced.
The government body had initially rejected monument status for the site which dates back to the 1700s.
But following ongoing campaigns, petitions and a public consultation Historic Scotland have now decided the site – traditionally used as a wedding place and an area to bless children – should be protected.
Dr George Findlater, who led the consultation for Historic Scotland, said: “Although permanent physical monuments of Scottish Travellers are quite rare, I hope that this particular case paves the way for a wider recognition of traveller culture.”
He continued: “I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those who took the time to engage with the consultation.
“They gave us the opportunity to record a wealth of information new to us on this unique site, which until now had only really been passed down via the oral tradition of the traveller people.”
Historic Scotland have said it is in talks with academic partners to establish research options to further understand of the material heritage of Scottish Travellers.
The Thinkers’ Heart is expected to be on the official monument list by August.
