Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser welcomed living history group “The Antonine Guard” and two Bo’ness Community Councillors to the Scottish Parliament for a special screening of a documentary marking the construction of the replica “Bridgeness Slab.”
The Mark of Rome is a film about the history of the Antonine Wall, the largest relic of Roman occupation in Scotland, and documents the Bo’ness community’s ten years of hard work in creating of a replica of the Bridgeness Slab.
The Bridgeness Slab, A Roman legionary distance marker stone, was found in Bo'ness in 1868 and sits as a prized exhibit in the National Museum in Edinburgh. Today, the replica stands at Kinnigars Park on Harbour Road in Bo'ness.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Antonine Guard’s purpose of promoting Scotland’s role in Roman history is an important one, and I enjoyed their visit today.”
“The replica Bridgeness Slab will certainly help draw attention to the historical value of the Antonine Wall and support tourism in the town of Bo’ness. We now need some positive discussions on the creation of a visitor and heritage centre on what is a world heritage site.
“Bo’ness sets a strong example for Perth to follow on how important it is for local communities to promote their historic assets. The Gask Ridge that runs between Dunblane and Perth is a site of great importance in Scotland’s Roman history, and it is about time we share its significance with those outside the region.”
ENDS
Pictured Angus MacDonald MSP, Murdo Fraser MSP, The Antonine Guard, Madelene Hunt and Maria Ford of Bo’Ness Community Council