This survey offers an accessible and broad-ranging synthesis of the
history and archaeology of Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, and aims to
inform conservation guidance for future development. Kirkintilloch lies
at a key point in Scotlands central belt. Here, by accident of
geography, the Antonine Wall, ancient and modern route ways and the
Forth and Clyde Canal pass within yards of each other. Here also, iron
founding was added to the linen and cotton weaving industry giving
Kirkintilloch an important role in Scotlands nineteenth-century economic
development. The town has benefited from archaeological investigations
in advance of development, and those designed to enhance our knowledge
of the Antonine Wall. The authors consider where the areas of
archaeological potential lie, in order to inform future management of
Kirkintillochs historic environment, and pose questions about the
evolution of Scotlands burghs.