An experienced blacksmith is sought to design, create and install an accessible kissing- gate for the new roman Arboretum in Old Kilpatrick. The gate will celebrate the village’s heritage, particularly the Roman influence, and raise the profile of the park as part of the Antonine Wall World Heritage site. This project forms part of a wider “Rediscovering the Antonine Wall” project working across Central Scotland to build better connections for communities and visitors along the length of the Antonine Wall. The project is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, West Dunbartonshire Council and Historic Environment Scotland. The budget for the design, construction and installation of the gate is £3,000 and the deadline for completion is January 2022. The Commission is being delivered by the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project in partnership with Action Old Kilpatrick.
Project Scope
The project scope is outlined below. It has been based on initial stakeholder engagement and community research.
- The gate should showcase the Roman heritage of Old Kilpatrick. A fort was located nearby and the presence of a port nearby is also probable. Several objects have been found around the site, including Samian ware and a roman key. The group is keen to see this reflected in the design. See appendix for pictures of Roman boats and list of archaeological finds.
- The Roman kissing gate will be installed in a new fence and sit next to a farmers gate needed for Forestry access. The current budget of £3,000.
- The design should allow enough space for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
- The chosen blacksmith will need to liaise with the Forestry Commission to ensure that the gate will fit with the fence and oversee it’s installation.
Expressions of interest
Blacksmiths are invited to express interest, through submission of indicative ideas, based on the project brief as well as:
- thoughts on installation
- a relevant portfolio of previous work and experience.
The deadline for the expression of interest is 3rd November at midnight .
The action Old Kilpatrick community group will choose their preferred project.
15th November: appointment of chosen Blacksmith
December: approval of final design and liaison with the forestry Commission
January: installation on site (TBC)
Click here to download : Old Kilpatrick Roman Gate appendix
Appendix content: Roman boats pictures , Major finds: Samian ware, key, distance stone, Samian ware stamps ( leaves and trees), Links to websites
Please contact Severine Peyrichou, severine.peyrichou@west-dunbarton.gov.uk to submit your application.