A HISTORIC landmark in West Dunbartonshire will be part of a first-ever world heritage trail.

The Antonine Wall - which is already a UNESCO World Heritage Site - will connect the country’s 13 place-based designations, including World Heritage Sites, Biospheres, Global Geoparks and Creative Cities to form a dedicated digital trail.

The scheme has been put together to promote tourism in Scotland and make it a world-class destination.

The aim is to take visitors on a cultural journey across the country experiencing everything from history to science, music, design and literature to nature and cityscapes.

Scotland is the first country in the world to create a UNESCO trail.

The Antonine Wall was built by the Romans around AD 142 to keep the hostile tribes to the north at bay. Constructed on the orders of Emperor Antonius Pius, remains of the structure run from the Firth of Clyde to the Forth – from Old Kilpatrick on the west coast across to Bo’ness in the east.

Rebecca Jones, head of archaeology and world heritage at Historic Environment Scotland, said: “Scotland’s heritage is a key driver for tourism, with visitors from all over the world drawn to explore the historic sites that tell the story of our past.

“The Antonine Wall is one of six remarkable World Heritage Sites in Scotland, allowing visitors to step back to the time of the Romans in Scotland and explore the Empire’s northernmost frontier.

“The UNESCO trail will help showcase the rich variety of internationally significant heritage in Scotland, and we’re pleased to support this initiative with its emphasis on tourism that is responsible, sustainable and which delivers real benefits for both visitors and communities.”

The digital trail can be found at visitscotland.com/unesco-trail.