The Dechmont Law UFO Encounter

On November 9, 1979, Scottish forester Robert Taylor encountered a UFO in Dechmont Woods near Livingston. He was attacked by smaller sphere-like objects that left him unconscious. Police investigated it as an assault, finding physical evidence at the scene - the only UFO case in Scotland treated as a criminal matter.

The Witness

Robert Taylor was:

• A forestry worker
• 61 years old
• Employed by the Development Corporation
• Well-respected
• Not interested in UFOs

The Encounter

That morning:

• Taylor walked into a clearing
• Discovered a dome-shaped object
• Approximately 20 feet across
• Hovering above the ground
• Dark grey, metallic

The Attack

Two smaller spheres:

• Emerged from the craft
• Rolled toward Taylor
• Attached to his trousers
• Dragged him toward main object
• He smelled acrid burning

The Effects

Taylor experienced:

• Loss of consciousness
• Woke up face down
• Couldn’t speak clearly
• Pants torn
• Legs weak

Physical Evidence

At the scene, police found:

• Ladder-pattern marks in ground
• 40 holes in two tracks
• Tears in Taylor’s trousers
• Damage to his vehicle
• Unable to explain marks

Police Investigation

Lothian & Borders Police:

• Treated as criminal assault
• Forensic team examined site
• No explanation found
• File remains officially open
• Only Scottish UFO crime case

Medical Examination

Taylor was checked by:

• His doctor
• Found to be in shock
• Injuries consistent with account
• No evidence of hallucination
• Sober and clearheaded

Taylor’s Credibility

He was considered:

• Reliable employee
• No history of fabrication
• Reluctant witness
• Never sought publicity
• Maintained account until death (2007)

Skeptical Theories

Some suggested:

• Epileptic episode and hallucination
• Ball lightning
• However, physical evidence unexplained
• Taylor had no history of epilepsy

The Site Today

Dechmont Woods:

• Plaque marks the spot
• Part of UFO trail
• Tourist attraction
• Annual commemorations
• Local landmark

Significance

The Dechmont case is significant for:

• Police investigation as crime
• Physical evidence collected
• Credible witness
• Never explained
• Official case file

Legacy

The Robert Taylor encounter remains Scotland’s most famous UFO case and the only one investigated as a criminal assault. The physical evidence and Taylor’s sterling reputation make it one of the UK’s most compelling UFO incidents.