Sheep Hill high above the River Clyde at Bowling on the outskirts of Dumbarton.
By Sam Gibson
Alas Sheep Hill no more. After much debate and attempts to stop it being quarried away, this prominent local hill above the A82 at Bowling is destined to be destroyed.
Being a Scheduled Ancient monument, due to the two Ancient iron- age forts on it’s summit, was not enough to save it from being ground to road metal etc., and eventually leaving a massive hole on the face of the hillside giving a view into the large quarry behind.
See https://wdccmis.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/CMIS5/Document.ashx?czJKcaeAi5tUFL1DTL2UE4zNRBcoShgo=j0D72QICFppnDVy9MT1%2f or agenda for October11th. WDC Planning Meeting.
The recent storms and heavy rain flooding the Boulevard at Dumbuck and Dunglass and halting traffic have put this vexatious issue firmly back on the planning and heritage agenda.
Bruce Biddulph added: “I still cannot believe this incredibly important ancient site was not protected.
“Bad enough that Dumbuck Hill, so steeped in local legend has been all but destroyed, but to then permit further destruction of our Ancient Brythonic past reeks of not only ignorance but wanton behaviour.
“I know for certain that generations to come will look back in fury at us. When finished here, will they move onto the Rock itself, which is in fact rather less important, in truly ancient evidences than Sheep Hill?”
Eddie Atkinson wrote: “Whoever sanctioned this should hang their head in shame, desecration of a scheduled ancient monument should be a crime.”
Kenny McFall wrote: “So will that be the sleeping giant, as we call it, and see it from Bellsmyre, gone?”
West Dunbartonshire Council’s spokespersons refuse to answer any questions from The Democrat to clarify matters.
The cup and ring markings are much more ancient than Roman times.