New works celebrating East Dunbartonshire’s Roman heritage completed in Bishopbriggs.
The installation comprising of a stone bench, replica carvings, stone cairns, and interpretation panels is located on the canal towpath, Bishopbriggs. The bench sits on the opposite side of the canal from the location of Roman Cadder Fort that was part of the Antonine Wall, the most northerly point of the Roman Empire.
The project developed in collaboration with Bishopbriggs Community Council, the bench and stone carvings were completed by talented stonemasons Jo Crossland and Luke Batchelor. Local company Paradigm Landscapes and Tigers construction training academy completed the groundworks for the project.
The installation was part of the wider Rediscovering the Antonine Wall Project. The £2.1 million project’s aim was to improve awareness and engagement with the site among local communities along the line of the Wall as well as from visitors from further afield. Other projects delivered in East Dunbartonshire include the Roman-themed play area at Peel Park, a replica distance stone in Twechar, a Roman Granary Garden in Bearsden and a new Roman inspired mural in Kirkintilloch.
Project funding for the Rediscovering project came from the National Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, Kelvin Valley and Falkirk LEADER Programme as well as from project partners Historic Environment Scotland and East Dunbartonshire, West Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, Falkirk, and Glasgow City councils.
Stephen Balfour, Rediscovering the Antonine Wall Project Manager, said: “It is fitting that this is the last community project to be delivered through our project funding as the project is an excellent example of collaborative working. We are particularly thankful for the support of Bishopbriggs Community Council who were keen to highlight the area’s Roman heritage and were the driving force behind the project.”
Katrina Fitzgerald, Chair of Bishopbriggs Community Council said: “We were delighted to be part of this initiative to highlight our area’s Roman heritage. The completed works enhance the local area and we hope they are enjoyed by local residents and visitors alike”.
Provost Gillian Renwick had the honour of unveiling the new installation. She said, “It is so important that we continue to celebrate our local history and protect our heritage for future generations with fabulous projects like this one. So many people and organisations have come together to make it happen and the result is something truly outstanding that the local community can be proud of. Thanks to everyone involved.”
