Imagine, if you will, Roman soldiers marching through this very area we now call Summerston. Summerston is a residential area in Glasgow, Scotland. It has a fascinating past. Most of the houses here were built in the 1970s. Summerston sits in the far north of Glasgow.
Summerston is considered part of Maryhill, though it has its own postcode. Gilshochill lies to the south. Cadder is to the south-east. Open farmland stretches to the north-east. The River Kelvin and a golf course separate Summerston from Bearsden to the north-west.
Let’s journey back in time. The original Summerston railway station wasn’t where it is now. It was about one and a half miles north. It sat near Summerston Farm and Cottages, close to the River Kelvin. This area was also the site of a fortlet on the Antonine Wall. Aerial observation revealed this fortlet in 1980.
In 1978, another discovery came from the air. South of the Kelvin, a temporary marching camp emerged. Even earlier, before 1694, a sandstone distance slab appeared at Summerston Farm. This slab resembled the Bridgeness Slab. The Second Legion created it. It showed a helmeted horseman and naked captives. Today, you can view it in Glasgow’s Hunterian Museum.
Imagine the slab’s original colours. Research revealed bright pigments. X-ray and laser technology uncovered red blood on the faces of natives. The neighbouring forts were at Bearsden to the west. Balmuildy was to the east.
Another Summerston slab shares similarities with one from Castlehill. Both feature two decorative pelta shields. The horns of the Castlehill shield have three rosettes. The Summerston slab ends in two griffins’ heads.
A weathered slab found in 1803 near Summerston records the building of 3666.5 paces of wall by the Sixth Legion. The farm where it was found was later called East Millichen. Historians believe it stood next to another slab at Summerston.
Evidence suggests a Roman bridge once spanned the Kelvin between Summerston and Balmuildy. Historically, Summerston belonged to the parish of Strathblane. Ironstone and coal were mined here.
Today, Summerston is a vibrant community. It has St Blane’s Primary and John Paul Academy. The 4th Glasgow Scout Beaver Colony meets in Caldercuilt Primary School. Summerston Childcare is a popular family learning center. Maryhill Harriers running club uses John Paul Academy. Several shops serve the area including an ASDA, a Greggs and an Iceland.
Maryhill Park offers tennis courts, a play area and walking paths. Many streets bear names of Highland and Island locations such as Gorstan and Loch Mullardoch. Summerston has evolved from its Roman roots. It is now a thriving residential area. It blends history with modern life.