Businesses close to the Antonine Wall are being asked to share their views in an online survey, as part of an initiative to maximise the area’s economic pulling power

The wall runs through five central Scotland local authority areas (West Dunbartonshire, Glasgow City, East Dunbartonshire, North Lanarkshire and Falkirk) crossing urban and rural landscapes.  These five councils, together with Historic Scotland, manage and promote the wall and have commissioned the survey as part of a wider economic impact assessment.

The partners are keen to identify ways in which the Antonine Wall can make an increased contribution to Scotland’s economic prosperity and well-being, in particular to the local communities along its length.  To that end the partners have commissioned a business survey to identify current and future potential activity associated with the wall that can enhance its social and economic contribution.

Today 80,000 people live close to the wall and there are 3,300 businesses employing 32,500 people in the immediate area.  While manufacturing and wholesale/retail are the main employment sectors, tourism is only a small part of current employment at around 10%.  There are some deprived areas that could benefit from new activity.

Patricia Weeks, Antonine Wall World Heritage Site Co-ordinator said: “We want as many businesses as possible to have their say on what is happening now, but more importantly on what ideas they have for new activities related to the wall.

“This will help us to develop the right strategy for the future of the Antonine Wall.”

Alan Rodger, Planning and Environment Manager at Falkirk Council, said: “We would encourage local businesses to engage with this survey to help us build on the successes the Falkirk area is achieving in developing its tourism potential.”

The Antonine Wall is part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site.  As the northernmost frontier barrier of the Roman Empire, it is 39 miles long, 3 metres high and 5 metres wide running from Old Kilpatrick in the west to Bo’ness in the east.  The wall takes its name from Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius who ordered its construction in 142 AD and it took around 12 years to complete.

If you are a business and would like to take part in the survey. 

For further information contact: Patricia Weeks, Antonine Wall World Heritage Site Coordinator on 01316688853 or patricia.weeks@scotland.gsi.gov.uk