Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser believes that the latest search to find a lost Roman fort beyond the Antonine Wall underlines the importance of the Gask Ridge frontier in Roman history and perhaps re-opens the debate for having a dedicated Roman centre in Scotland.
The Gask frontier, which predates Hadrian's Wall, comprises of a series of Roman forts and watchtowers and stretches from Doune, near Stirling, to Stracathro.
The search is being led by Birgitta Hoffmannthe of the Roman Gask project based at the University of Liverpool. If they are successful in finding a fort it would be the first significant find north of the Antonine Wall in 30 years.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“The Romans played a massive part in Scottish history, yet we are still in the dark as to how far north they ventured, hopefully this project can help uncover some new secrets.
“Scotland plays host to some of the best examples of Roman frontier exploration, with the Antonine Wall and various forts and marching camps situated across the country. Perthshire is home to two of the most impressive forts on the Gask Ridge, Ardoch and Inchtuthil.
“A National Roman Centre could potentially draw thousands of tourists to Scotland, Perthshire and beyond. Hopefully the Scottish Government will look into the possibility of utilising our Roman heritage more, and a further find here would go some way to help.”