'No new money' for Antonine Wall

[JGolomb]

'No new money' for Antonine Wall

Opposition politicians have criticised the Scottish government for failing to spend more on developing the potential of the Antonine Wall.

 

The ancient fortified wall, which formed the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire, was given world heritage status in July last year.

 

Falkirk East Labour MP Cathy Peattie said more cash was needed to raise the profile of the 37-mile structure.

 

Culture Minister Mike Russell said future funding would be considered.

 

He said an "action plan", led by North Lanarkshire Council, was being put together to decide how to best promote the wall, built in 142 AD by Emperor Antoninus Pius.

 

There is an ongoing campaign for a new visitor centre to be created at the wall, which runs from Bo'ness, near Falkirk, to Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire.

 

Although much of it was destroyed over time, sections of the fortification can still be seen at several points, with sections in Falkirk among the best preserved.

 

Campaigners hope that the decision to give the wall world heritage status will boost tourism in the area.

 

In response to a parliamentary question from Ms Peattie, which asked what additional funding had been given to promoting and developing facilities for the wall, Mr Russell said: "There has been no additional funding allocated to date and each of the organisations is contributing expertise or funding to the planning.

 

"However, once the action plan is agreed, the projects to deliver a rolling programme of improvement will seek funding and this is likely to come from a variety of sources, not just the public purse."

 

Ms Peattie said: "It's good to hear that there's an action plan but I would like to see some additional funding being allocated to promote and enhance the awareness of the Antonine Wall.

 

"In England, work is being taken forward on Hadrian's Wall by a management company, which receives substantial funds via the UK government.

 

"The investment there is bringing a real return, providing excellent new visitor and interpretation facilities, which attract tourists to the area and provide a welcome boost to the economy in the north of England."

 

A spokeswoman for Historic Scotland said: "We are working closely with Scottish Natural Heritage, the Forestry Commission, the five local authorities that share responsibility for stretches of the wall and others to look at how to develop the access to the wall in general and the way it is presented."