World Heritage bid under the spotlight

THE ROMAN heritage of Bo’ness in central Scotland will be put under the spotlight tomorrow (Tuesday, May 16). Dr. David Breeze of Historic Scotland will talk at a special evening event about his efforts to help win World Heritage Site status for the Antonine Wall, which runs from the town to Old Kilpatrick, near Glasgow.

[ClickPress, Mon May 15 2006] THE ROMAN heritage of Bo’ness in central Scotland will be put under the spotlight tomorrow (Tuesday, May 16, 2006).

Dr. David Breeze of Historic Scotland will talk at a special evening event about his efforts to help win World Heritage Site status for the Antonine Wall, which runs from the town to Old Kilpatrick, near Glasgow.

The former chief inspector of ancient monuments will also talk about Roman sites in the Bo’ness area.

Tuesday's free event is being held in the Barony Theatre, off Borrowstoun Road, Bo’ness, starting at 7 p.m.

It has been organised by the Friends of Kinneil – a community group set up to support the development of Kinneil Estate on the edge of Bo’ness. Part of the Antonine Wall crosses the historic parkland. Kinneil – meaning “wall’s end” - also boasts a Roman fortlet, other historic buildings and a museum telling the history of the estate.

A spokesperson for the Friends said: “We are delighted Dr. Breeze has accepted our invitation to attend our event on Tuesday.

“Some local people have probably visited the fortlet at Kinneil Estate, but not realised that there are other Roman sites around Bo’ness . . . or have even seen the magnificent Roman distance slab found in the town, now on display in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.

“Winning World Heritage status will bring new visitors to Bo’ness, so we're keen to hear about Dr. Breeze’s work.”

Immediately after Tuesday’s talk, the Friends of Kinneil group is expected to hold its first “business” meeting, electing a full committee and setting a formal constitution. The group’s steering committee has already organised a successful heritage walk around Kinneil Estate at Easter as well as Tuesday's event.

Anyone interested in joining the group – or serving on the committee – can do so on the evening, or by emailing: info@kinneil.org.uk. Alternatively, you can leave your name and number on the messageline. Just call 0870 1642844.

The Antonine Wall was constructed by the Roman army on the orders of the Emperor Antoninus Pius. It is the most northerly frontier of the Roman Empire.

Work started in 142 AD. The Wall consisted of a turf rampart fronted by a wide and deep ditch with forts, fortlets and small enclosures attached to the rampart.

If the application for World Heritage status is approved, the Wall will become the fifth World Heritage Site in Scotland.