In AD 71 the governor Petillius Cerialis (r.71-74) campaigned in the north, quickly established relations with the Votadini (east coast), who became reliable allies, and subdued the neighbouring Selgovae (northeast side of the Solway Firth).
In AD 79 Agricola, governor of Britain (78-84), with two legions, XX Valeria Victrix (York) and IX Hispana (Carlisle), defeated the Brigantes in northern England and crossed into Scotland. By the late summer his forces had advanced into the territories of the Votadini, Selgovae and Damnonii, and by AD 80 the Roman fleet and legions were probing as far north as the Firth of Tay in Fife. Agricola now stopped his advance, perhaps on the orders of the emperor Titus (41; r.79-81), reversing the policy of his father Vespasian (69; r.69-79).
The following year the Southern Uplands were protected from the unconquered north by the construction of a number of small forts (but not a continuous barrier) along the thirty-mile gap along the Clyde-Forth isthmus. Several garrison forts were also built, the most substantial being the one occupied 79-84 at Trimontium (Newstead), Scottish Borders, south of River Tweed and southwest of Edinburgh.
The Romans built a watchtower on the summit of Eildon Hill North in the middle of what is thought to be the tribal capital of the Selgovae. This has been seen as a sign of Roman supremacy over a hostile tribe. The Novantae are also usually considered to be hostile, but the Votadini are thought to have been friendly and they occupied their stronghold of Traprain Law throughout the Roman occupation.
Agricola’s advance had bypassed southwest Scotland so in AD 82 he launched an offensive across the region, subdued the Novantae, and installed a garrison on the coast that faces Ireland, possibly in preparation of a future operation. He then began to build (extend?) the Gask Ridge fortification to seal off the Scottish Highlands from the Lowlands.
In AD 83 a Roman legionary fortress was built at Inchtuthil, Perth and Kinross, north of Edinburgh and overlooking the right (north) bank of the River Tay. It would have taken more than one season to construct but would also have been necessary at this time to erect defences, barracks and stores to maintain a holding force during the winter.
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