Timeline to unravel area's past

The project will link historical events across the Forth Valley

Museums, galleries and local attractions across Forth Valley are to join forces to boost visitor numbers.

The Unravel Scotland's History campaign will see 16 attractions connected by a timeline of historic events, which dates back as far as 2,000 years.

Those behind the plan said it would appeal to local and overseas visitors unaware of the area's rich heritage.

The timeline features three themes, including Forth Valley's industrial past, its power struggles and art.

The area's most famous attractions include Stirling Castle, Callendar House and the Antonine Wall, built by Antoninus Pius in about 142 AD and recently granted World Heritage Status.

This kind of collaboration is crucial as we work towards our shared tourism industry ambition of increasing revenues from tourism by 50% by 2015 Sinead Guerin VisitScotland

The Scottish Government has put forward £250,000 for the project through the regional development challenge fund managed by Museums Galleries Scotland.

Joanne Orr, chief executive of Museums Galleries Scotland, said: "Attractions throughout the Forth Valley have links to some of the most important events and periods in Scottish history.

"By supporting this project through the regional development challenge fund, we are able to raise the profile of smaller exhibitions as well as promote a richer experience for visitors."

During August and September, an exhibition bus will also take the campaign on the road.

Sinead Guerin, of tourism agency VisitScotland, added: "It is great to see the area's museums, galleries and ancient monuments working together in this way.

"This kind of collaboration is crucial as we work towards our shared tourism industry ambition of increasing revenues from tourism by 50% by 2015."