Antonine Wall: Bearsden Bath-house

Bordering the northwest boundary of the City of Glasgow, East Dunbartonshire stretches out into spectacular scenery which makes for great outdoor pursuits. Walking trails and cycling routes can be found in great abundance, not to mention opportunities for fishing, watersports, golf and horseriding. Dotted amongst the open countryside are towns and villages with a rich heritage.

For the towns of Strathblane, Blanefield and Twechar, a significant chapter of their history in the 19th and 20th century was centred on the calico printworks and iron and coal mining respectively. The decline of these industries and subsequent closures in these towns brought unemployment to communities that had grown among workers and their families.

The hamlet of Baldernock was home to broadcaster and translator Magnus Magnusson, while the village of Huntershill’s claim to fame is Father of Scottish Democracy, Thomas Muir. The Antonine Wall passes through East Dunbartonshire, once marking the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, and the Comyn family castle was built on the site of the wall at Kirkintilloch. Visit Barr Hill Fort which was part of the wall and now makes up part of the ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire’ UNESCO World Heritage Site.