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This rock carving is situated on the East side of a rock known as Lovers' Leap, which looks out from the North side of the River North Esk in Roslin Glen, East along the river on the footpath from Rosslyn Chapel and Roslin Castle. The carving is obviously of a humanoid face, apparently devoid of ears or hair, and with a weathered or otherwise damaged nose and mouth.
However, while several other rock-carvings are to be found in Roslin Glen which seem more-or-less datable, this carving presents certain dating problems.
It is rather crude in execution, but appears to be an attempt at a vague medieval style. It is even possible that it is an attempt at a post-Reformation style skull, such as can be found on numerous gravestones throughout the Lothians.
Judging by the weathering, it is not of that recent a date, but is certainly better preserved than one would expect for a prehistoric or early historical carving, not least given its open context on natural rock (albeit on the lee side of the promontory).
Perhaps it dates from the late medieval period, or from the early modern period. Regardless, it was clearly not produced by a professional sculptor or stonemason, although it is possible that it could represent the idle doodling of an apprentice. Alternatively, it could simply be an early modern hoax, vaguely inspired by the numerous excellent carvings at the nearby Rosslyn Collegiate Kirk!