Dechmont Law
Disambiguation: the name Dechmont, and an associated "Dechmont Hill" are also places near Cambuslang in Scotland
| Dechmont Law (& Deer Hill) | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Elevation | 217 m (712 ft) |
| Listing | none |
| Location | |
| Location | West Lothian, Scotland |
| OS grid | NT033697 |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 65 |
Dechmont Law is a hill in Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland. It lies around 700 yards south west of the village of Dechmont, where it derives its name. It is known locally as "Decky Hill" although these names are of far more recent provenance. It has also been known as "Dechmont Hill" (Law is Lowland Scots for "hill"). "Deer Hill" is another peak of the same hill, to the north east of the main peak.
It is the highest hill in the Livingston area, and Arthur's Seat and the Pentland Hills can be seen from here, as well as a view down the Almond valley.
Geology and other history
Dechmont Law is a volcanic plug.
The slopes show signs of agricultural terracing, from the Bronze and Iron Age, but it is unclear whether it was ever a hillfort. Its strategic position makes this likely, but there is insufficient archaeological evidence.
In 2005, the investigation of the murder of Rory Blackhall, a schoolboy, also involved Dechmont Law Park. This is where Rory's body was found; in plantation woodland west of Dechmont Law. Rory's body was discovered after a methodical 2 hour search by a Countryside Ranger who knew the area well. Two mountain rescue members and a rescue dog where at the same spot within a few minutes (although they were searching independently from the Ranger). The police were alerted by the mountain rescue radio, as the battery of the Ranger's mobile phone had run out. The Ranger directed the Police to the site, and helped Police tape off the area as the Forensic team began their work. Rory's body was found under an old, upside-down, 2 person tent. The case has since closed, and the murder suspect committed suicide.
The "Livingston Incident"
In 1979, forestry worker Bob Taylor, had an alleged encounter with a UFO in the area of Dechmont Law.