Twechar’s Roman Frontier Secures World Heritage Status

One of Twechar’s most famous and historic landmarks, the Antonine Wall, has been granted World Heritage Site status by the World Heritage Committee.

The Antonine Wall has become part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site alongside Hadrian’s Wall and the German limes and it is Scotland’s fifth World Heritage Site. Construction of the Antonine Wall began in 138 AD, during the reign of Antoninus Pius and was completed in 142 AD.

Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Development and Environment Committee was delighted with the announcement. He said, “The Antonine Wall is an important feature in our local history, and for it to be recognised as a World Heritage Site is excellent news. The Council has worked hard over the last four years alongside Historic Scotland who led the bid and the other local authorities along the line of the Wall (Falkirk, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire and West Dunbartonshire Councils), and this excellent news is testament to that hard work.”

The Antonine Wall runs from Old Kilpatrick on the River Clyde in the west to Bridgeness on the River Forth in the East. In East Dunbartonshire the line of the wall runs through Bearsden, incorporating the Roman Bath House, across to Kirkintilloch and then out to Bar Hill Fort in Twechar.

Councillor Hendry continued, “The significance of the Antonine Wall has always been recognised locally and this international recognition will enable us to further promote this historical site and encourage visitors from further afield to come and explore our Roman heritage.”

Depute Leader of the Development and Environment Committee, Councillor John Dempsey believes that World Heritage Status for the Antonine Wall will bring huge benefits to the area.

He said, "The Antonine Wall is an important part of the Roman history of East Dunbartonshire and this status will help to enhance areas such as Twechar which are already undergoing regeneration and which will benefit from the added interest in the fort at Bar Hill which is part of the line of the Antonine Wall."