Dechmont Woods

Event Summary

The Dechmont Woods Incident occurred on November 9, 1979, in the forest area near Livingston, West Lothian, Scotland. The main witness, Robert "Bob" Taylor, was a forester employed by the Livingston Development Corporation. His encounter with a mysterious flying object and subsequent physical injuries make this incident one of the most well-documented and intriguing UFO cases in the United Kingdom.

The Witness and His Routine
Robert Taylor, aged 61 at the time, was conducting a routine inspection of a fenced plantation of young trees in Dechmont Woods with his dog. Taylor was known as a reliable and experienced forester, adding credibility to his account. As he entered a clearing around 10:30 AM, he was confronted with a sight that would change his life forever.

The Unidentified Object
Taylor described seeing a large, circular, spherical object approximately 7 yards (6.4 meters) in diameter hovering above the forest floor. The craft had a dark metallic surface with a rough texture, resembling sandpaper. It was surrounded by an outer rim set with small propellers or fins, and the area was filled with a foul odor similar to burning brakes. This large dome-like structure was unlike anything Taylor had ever seen, and its sudden appearance left him bewildered.

The Encounter
Approach and Interaction
As Taylor approached the object to get a closer look, two smaller spherical objects with protruding spikes emerged from the larger craft. These smaller objects resembled sea mines or Second World War mines with spikes. The entities made contact with Taylor, latching onto his trousers and pulling him toward the larger sphere. Taylor described a feeling of being paralyzed and unable to cry out for help as he was dragged toward the craft.

Physical Effects
During this interaction, Taylor experienced a loss of consciousness. He later awoke on the forest floor, with the objects and the craft gone. His dog was nearby, unharmed but seemingly distressed. Taylor found himself disoriented and in pain, with injuries that included torn trousers, grazes on his chin and thighs, and a series of bruises that suggested he had been forcibly dragged.

Aftermath and Investigation
Return Home and Reporting
Upon regaining consciousness, Taylor managed to return home despite his injuries. He was in a state of shock and distress, and his wife noted his disheveled appearance. Concerned, she called the police, who took Taylor's account seriously due to his injuries and distressed state.

Police Investigation
The police accompanied Taylor back to the site of the encounter and conducted a thorough investigation. They discovered a series of marks on the ground consistent with Taylor's description of the craft and the smaller spherical objects. The ground exhibited ladder-shaped impressions, and there were other distinctive markings that corroborated Taylor's account. The police treated the incident as a possible assault, recording it as a criminal investigation.

Physical Evidence
The physical evidence found at the site included:

Ladder-shaped marks: Impressions on the ground that matched the description of the craft's landing gear or supports.

Scorched vegetation: Some reports indicate that the vegetation in the vicinity appeared to be scorched or damaged, suggesting the presence of intense heat or radiation.

Medical Examination
Taylor underwent a medical examination following the incident. The doctor who examined him confirmed the presence of grazes, bruises, and other injuries consistent with his account of being forcibly dragged. The medical report added further credibility to Taylor's story and underscored the seriousness of his encounter.

Ufologist Involvement
Malcolm Robinson
The incident attracted the attention of ufologists, including Malcolm Robinson, a well-known paranormal investigator and author. Robinson conducted an extensive investigation into the case, interviewing Taylor and examining the physical evidence. He concluded that Taylor's account was genuine and that the incident could be one of the few authentic UFO encounters.

Publicity and Documentation
The Dechmont Woods Incident received significant media coverage and was documented in various books, articles, and television programs. It remains a subject of interest in the field of ufology and has been cited in numerous studies and reports on UFO phenomena.

Skepticism and Alternative Theories
Skeptical Explanations
Despite the compelling evidence, some skeptics have proposed alternative explanations for the incident. These include:

Hallucinatory Berries: Some suggested that Taylor might have accidentally ingested hallucinogenic berries, leading to a vivid but imagined encounter.

Psychological Factors: Others have proposed that the incident was the result of a psychological episode or a misinterpretation of a natural phenomenon.

Man-made Objects: Some skeptics speculated that Taylor might have encountered a secret military device or experimental aircraft, although no evidence has been found to support this theory.

Steuart Campbell's Visit
UFO skeptic Steuart Campbell visited the site and initially believed that a simple explanation would emerge. However, his observations did not lead to a clear explanation for Taylor's experience, and he ultimately concluded that the incident remained unresolved.

Impact and Legacy
Community Impact
The incident had a significant impact on the local community, bringing attention to the area and drawing visitors and researchers. The site in Dechmont Woods became known as a focal point for UFO enthusiasts and researchers.

Commemorative Plaque
In recognition of the incident's significance, a plaque was erected at the site where Taylor's encounter occurred. The plaque commemorates the event and serves as a testament to one of the most intriguing UFO encounters in the United Kingdom.

Event Details