Roman in the gloamin’ up Drumchapel way

Friends, Romans, countrymen and schoolchildren cheer as Roseanne Cunningham unveils the Antonine Wall Bench at Garscadden Wood

The past, present and future of Drumchapel all met on a rainy, muddy hillside at Garscadden Woods to celebrate the unveiling of a 22-foot long wooden bench inspired by a Glasgow community of long ago.

The Antonine Wall Wooden Bench, which was created by furniture maker Alan Kain and developed by 150 pupils from six local schools, was unveiled by Environment Minister Roseanne Cunningham as two fiersome figures from the past – a Roman soldier and a Caledonian warrior – looked on.

The Antonine Wall was built more than 1860 years ago and runs between the rivers Forth and Clyde. It was named a World Heritage site in 2008.

Alan’s collaboration has led to a bench that features Roman carvings on one side and Caledonian motifs on the other. The bench sits close to the Wall and Castlehill Roman fort.

The pupils from Antonine and Camstraden Primaries, Drummore School, Langfaulds, St Clares and Stonedyke Primaries also took part in Roman-themed workshops run by the Hunterian Museum, while students from North Glasgow College and Drumchapel Arts Workshop helped the children in developing their ideas.

The six-foot high bench is the latest initiative for the area brought about by a partnership between the city’s Glasgow Greenspace and the Forestry Commission, who manage the woodlands.

The Minister said: ‘It’s been great to meet schoolchildren from the surrounding area. Their enthusiasm is a fantastic asset and they must be thrilled to see their input actually making a tangible difference to the woodland.’

The site is also used by Branching Out, a group who see woodlands as part of their campaign to boost mental health and wellbeing, inspired by the theory of ‘ecotherapy’ – that being close to nature is a valid treatment option for many people.