COUNCILLORS have been asked to give their backing to a controversial bid which will affect Sheephill Quarry in the Kilpatrick Hills.

The area in question is home to an ancient monument in the shape of an Iron Age fort, and was first occupied 3,400 years ago.

West Dunbartonshire councillors were asked prior to the pandemic to grant an application for the expansion of the quarry, which would include altered opening hours.

Campaigners believe there could be “permanent and detrimental impact” on the landscape and scenic skyline, and want permission to be refused until a full archaeological investigation is carried out. which would restrict access to the hill.

Gil Paterson MSP said: “Any new proposals must evaluate and take a long term view. By allowing more quarry work what damage will it do, not just to a unique ancient site but to future economic benefit for generations? Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Rose Harvie, secretary of Silverton and Overtoun Community Council, has been a long term campaigner against the expansion.

In 2012, she challenged the idea not only as an individual but on behalf of SOCC, concerned at the potential loss of a possible unexplored site of archaeological interest.

She said: “It is unknown what else of historic importance might be under the turf on Sheep Hill, without a full archaeological investigation.

“The loss of this hill will be to the detriment of West Dunbartonshire’s natural and historic environment.”

A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland said: “In 1970, an Iron Age Fort on Sheep Hill were designated as a Scheduled Monument. Should the quarry owners wish to pursue mineral extraction within the scheduled area then a new application for scheduled monument consent will be required. 

“If scheduled monument consent were to be granted it would be subject to an agreement of appropriate archaeological excavation including archaeological recording and recovery.”

The council’s planning committee will meet to consider the plans on Wednesday, November 11.