Rediscovering the Antonine Wall £2.1m project makes mark

Rediscovering the Antonine Wall is three year project which will raise awareness of the Roman Empire structure.

A replica of the Eastermains stone will be installed in Twechar near the line of the wall.

The stone was discovered just west of the village at Inchbelly Bridge in 1740.

"It's a momentous achievement and will help to bring the past back to life for local communities," said Patricia Weeks, Antonine Wall world heritage site co-ordinator for Historic Environment Scotland (HES).

It is the first marker of the Antonine Wall to be installed as part of the £2.1 million project, which aims to create awareness and engagement within communities along the line of the wall - a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Twechar Healthy Living & Enterprise Centre, where the replica will be placed, has worked in partnership with the project.

The HES co-ordinator added: Many of the original markers found along the line of the wall are on display in the Hunterian Museum in Glasgow, but this project gives people the chance to see how they might have looked in the landscape all those centuries ago."

Five local authorities are contributing to the project including Glasgow City, West Dunbartonshire, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and Falkirk Councils.

Emma McMullen, Antonine Wall HLF project manager, said, "We are delighted to unveil the Twechar distance stone - the first of five being created in landscape sites near to the line of the wall, which will create a distance stone trail once completed.

"Thanks to everyone involved for their incredible efforts."

The project will run until October 2022 and also includes a Roman-themed play facility at Peel Park, Kirkintilloch, and a community garden with Bearsden Baptist Church.

Councillor Vaughan Moody, East Dunbartonshire's joint council leader, said, "This is a great addition to the area and helps to create a window into the history of the Antonine Wall, inspiring people of all ages to find out more about Scotland's past. I look forward to seeing it for myself when it is safe to do so."

The Antonine Wall marked the most north-western point of the Roman Empire, passing through all the included council areas.

Funds were awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other external sources such as including Kelvin Valley & Falkirk LEADER, FCC Communities Foundation (formerly WREN) and more.

Councillor Andrew Polson, joint council leader, added, "East Dunbartonshire has strong links to the Roman Empire, including Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Twechar and Bishopbriggs. It's important to look at ways of exploring and maximising local heritage and history - raising awareness and supporting the local economy. Well done to all."