Historic Kirkintilloch

This survey offers an accessible and broad-ranging synthesis of the history and archaeology of Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, and aims to inform conservation guidance for future development. Kirkintilloch lies at a key point in Scotland's central belt. Here, by accident of geography, the Antonine Wall, ancient and modern route ways and the Forth and Clyde Canal pass within yards of each other. Here also, iron founding was added to the linen and cotton weaving industry giving Kirkintilloch an important role in Scotland's nineteenth-century economic development. The course of the Antonine Wall is inscribed by UNESCO as part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site. The book explains its local context and underlines the continuity of the location as a point of communications. This important strategic site, around which the town grew, was once defended by a castle, now Peel Park. Historic photographs of the town illustrate the changes brought by the redevelopment of the main shopping streets in the later twentieth century. A conservation area has recently been enlarged by East Dunbartonshire Council to ensure that further development enhances or preserves the character of the area. The town has benefited from archaeological investigations in advance of development, and those designed to enhance our knowledge of the Antonine Wall. The authors consider where the areas of archaeological potential lie, in order to inform future management of Kirkintilloch's historic environment, and pose questions about the evolution of Scotland's burghs. This book forms part of the Scottish Burgh Survey - a series designed to identify the archaeological potential of Scotland's historic towns.Rorke, Martin is the author of 'Historic Kirkintilloch ', published 2007 under ISBN 9781902771588 and ISBN 1902771583.