West Dunbartonshire Council has received recognition at Scotland’s premier tourism and events awards for its efforts to raise awareness and increase engagement with the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site. 

The local authority received the Celebrating Thriving Communities Award at the West of Scotland Thistle Awards in Glasgow on September 28.

The Scottish Thistle Awards celebrate the very best of the tourism and events industry, which is worth £11.5billion to the Scottish economy.  

WDC was given the nod for their work on the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall initiative, delivering Roman-inspired play parks, distance stones, murals and a touring exhibition to enhance the visitor experience.

On receiving the award, Stephen Balfour, project manager of the scheme, said: “The Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project was developed to raise awareness of the Antonine Wall World Heritage Site.

"New assets such as Roman-inspired play parks, distance stones, murals and a touring exhibition have resulted in an enhanced visitor experience and contributed to local placemaking for communities living alongside the wall.” 

The Rediscovering the Antonine Wall project was led by WDC in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland and the five local authorities through which the wall passes.

After securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland and LEADER funding, the partners delivered an extensive and varied capital works, education and community engagement programme.

Judges praised the team for its ambition, commitment and inspiration for success.

They described the engagement with refugee and asylum seeker communities as a “true stand out” of the project. 

David Adams McGilp, VisitScotland regional director, said: “I would like to congratulate West Dunbartonshire Council and all of the partners involved in the Rediscovering the Antonine Wall Project.  

“This award is testament to the ambition and dedication to improving the visitor experience and integrating the UNESCO World Heritage Site with local communities.

"I would like to extend my best wishes to all of the regional winners as they now go forward to the National Final in December.”

This year saw more than 600 entries submitted, including almost 1200 nominations from members of the public keen to give hotels, restaurants, B&Bs, visitor attractions and individuals the opportunity to earn the recognition they deserve for the part they play in making Scotland such a fantastic place to visit. 

The award celebrates partnerships, collaborations and teamwork that come together to protect and enhance the environment whilst growing social, cultural and economic wealth.