New technology brings history of Antonine Wall to life

develop cutting-edge technology for an interactive visitors’ experience.

The Wall is part of the Europe wide ‘Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site’ and the

project will see Scottish, German and Austrian partners working together to create a mobile app platform and exciting new visitor content.

The new technology promises to make the visitor experience more interactive through the use of augmented reality and 3D virtual reconstructions, whilst improving understanding and access both for users on-site but also for those who may want to visit ‘virtually’ from elsewhere.

A key aim of the project is to engage people and carry out user testing, potentially with schools and community groups, in Scotland and Germany. Local authorities across Central Scotland will also explore how best to use the app to support the tourism offering at individual properties along the length of the wall.

Dr Patricia Weeks, Antonine Wall World Heritage Site Co-ordinator for Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Over the last 12 months we have made great strides in digitally interpreting the Antonine Wall. Thanks to

this significant commitment from Creative Europe, as well as Historic Environment Scotland’s own substantial investment, we are now able to build on that work and expand our use of innovative technologies to engage the widest audience possible. The project is a great model of international

partnership working and ultimately we will share the technology with other countries free of charge, which should benefit the entire sector.”

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration at East Dunbartonshire Council, said, “This funding will help to create a hi-tech window on the rich history of the Antonine Wall - inspiring people of all ages to find out more about Scotland’s past.

“East Dunbartonshire has a rich and fascinating past, including strong links to the Roman Empire in Bearsden, Kirkintilloch, Twechar and Bishopbriggs. It’s an excellent location to track down the remains of the Antonine Wall and some of the forts that lay along it.

“The Council is committed to looking at ways of exploring and maximising the heritage and history of East Dunbartonshire - raising awareness and supporting the local economy.”

Further information about the project will be made available at the project’s official website: www.alapp.eu