A NEW bench and sculpture have been installed in Old Kilpatrick in an effort to promote the area’s Roman heritage.

The installation is located at Lusset Glen and sits where the Antonine Wall – the most northern point of the Roman Empire – passed through West Dunbartonshire.

It was created by sculptor Gardner Molloy who focused his design on amphora storage pots which were used by the Romans to store a variety of liquid and dry goods.

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They were popular at the time as they were robust, cheap, and easy to make – not to mention they could be stacked neatly into the holds of ships.

A carved figure, who is picking up one of the pots, stands next to the bench.

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The feature was commissioned as part of the wider ‘Rediscovering the Antonine Wall Project’.

The £2.1 million project is being led by West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and the other local authority areas that the wall runs through including Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire, and Falkirk.

Councillor Lawrence O’Neill, chair of planning at West Dunbartonshire Council, said: “I’m extremely proud to see our area’s Roman heritage recognised as part of this project, and hope this will lead to increased knowledge of this fascinating part of our history.

“This sculpture and bench is a great draw to Lusset Glen, and adds to a number of fantastic initiatives put in place to attract more people to learn about the Antonine Wall.”

The aim of the initiative is to improve awareness and engagement with the site among communities along the line of the wall as well as attract visitors from across Scotland.

WDC joined forces with Historic Environment Scotland and the other local authorities that the wall runs through in 2018 in an effort to bring its fascinating story back to life.

Since then a number of attractions have been installed along the wall’s route including Roman-themed playparks – such as the one in Goldenhill Park – which were designed with local schoolchildren so young people can explore and play whilst finding out about its history.

Stephen Balfour, Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project manager, added: “This installation was only made possible through the participation of our partners.

"We are thankful for the support of Action Old Kilpatrick who were keen to highlight the area’s Roman heritage and were the driving force behind marking it in Lusset Glen.

"West Dunbartonshire Council Planning and Greenspace colleagues also provided assistance to help deliver the hand-crafted installation and we are delighted it has been so well received by the local community.”