The Robert Taylor Incident

On November 9, 1979, forestry worker Robert Taylor encountered a strange spherical object in Dechmont Woods near Livingston, Scotland. What happened next left him with physical injuries and torn clothing, making this the only UFO encounter in history to be officially investigated as a criminal assault.

The Witness

Robert Taylor:

• 61 years old
• Forestry worker
• Respected employee
• No history of fabrication
• Practical, reliable man

The Morning

November 9, 1979:

• Routine inspection
• Dechmont Woods
• Walking with dog
• Entered clearing
• Saw the object

The Object

Taylor described:

• Spherical craft
• About 20 feet diameter
• Dark grey metallic
• Rough texture
• Hovering above ground

The Smaller Spheres

Then appeared:

• Two smaller objects
• Mine-like with spikes
• Rolled toward him
• Attached to his legs
• Dragged him forward

The Attack

Taylor experienced:

• Acrid smell
• Choking sensation
• Loss of consciousness
• Unknown duration
• Awoke alone

Physical Evidence

When found:

• Trousers torn
• At leg areas
• Consistent with attachment
• Grazes on legs
• Dog distressed

The Ground Traces

At the site:

• Ladder-like marks
• Circular impressions
• Track marks
• Consistent with spheres
• Documented by police

Police Investigation

Lothian and Borders Police:

• Treated as assault
• Criminal investigation
• Forensic examination
• Site documented
• Case never closed

The Forensic Evidence

Examination showed:

• Trouser tears consistent with pulling force
• Ground marks real
• No evidence of hoax
• Taylor’s injuries genuine
• Mystery remained

Taylor’s Account

He consistently stated:

• What he saw
• What happened
• Never changed story
• No profit sought
• Until his death

The Smell

The acrid odor:

• Caused choking
• Possibly chemical
• Rendered him unconscious
• Lingered at site
• Never identified

Medical Examination

Doctors found:

• Leg grazes
• Consistent with account
• No other explanation
• Genuine injuries
• Not self-inflicted

Significance

The Taylor case is significant for:

• Criminal investigation
• Physical evidence
• Credible witness
• Forensic documentation
• Never explained

Legacy

The Robert Taylor incident remains Scotland’s most famous UFO case and the only one treated as a criminal assault. The physical evidence, police investigation, and Taylor’s unwavering account make it one of the most compelling close encounters ever documented.