Robert Taylor UFO Encounter
A forester walked into a clearing and found a UFO. Mine-like objects attacked him, ripping his trousers and leaving him unconscious. He woke to find the craft gone. Police investigated it as a criminal assault—Scotland's only official UFO crime scene.
On November 9, 1979, forester Robert Taylor encountered a UFO in Dechmont Woods. Objects emerged and attacked him, tearing his clothes and rendering him unconscious. Police investigated it as criminal assault—making it Scotland’s only official UFO crime scene.
Robert Taylor
The witness was a 61-year-old forester who worked for the Livingston Development Corporation, and was a respected employee with no apparent reason to fabricate his account.
The Location
The incident occurred in Dechmont Woods, located in West Lothian, Scotland. This area is a remote woodland that served as Taylor’s work area, and the weather conditions on the morning of the event were clear.
The Discovery
Taylor recounted walking into a clearing where he observed a large object present. This object was dome-shaped and dark grey, hovering silently in the air.
The Object
The object itself was approximately 20 feet wide and possessed a sphere-like shape with a rough texture resembling sandpaper. It was hovering silently in the air.
The Attack
Suddenly, smaller objects, resembling mine-like spheres, emerged from the main craft. These objects attached themselves to Taylor’s legs, pulling him towards the larger craft, accompanied by an acrid smell.
The Damage
As a result of the attack, Taylor’s trousers were torn, exhibiting a specific pattern that showed they had been ripped outward rather than worn through, consistent with his account of the event.
Loss of Consciousness
Following the attack, Taylor blacked out, and the duration of his unconsciousness remains unknown. He subsequently awoke on the ground, finding the craft had vanished. He was profoundly shaken by the experience.
Returning Home
After the incident, Taylor was unable to speak clearly, and he walked home. His wife called a doctor, who subsequently contacted the police, initiating an investigation into the matter.
Police Investigation
The Lothian Police investigated the incident as an assault, leading to the opening of a criminal case. They collected evidence at the scene and administered serious treatment to Taylor.
The Crime Scene
The police discovered track marks in the grass, displaying an unusual pattern characterized by ladder-like indentations and hole marks, providing key physical evidence related to the event.
The Trousers
A crucial piece of evidence was the state of Taylor’s trousers, which were ripped rather than worn through. Laboratory analysis confirmed the force required to inflict this damage was significant, and the evidence was carefully preserved.
Medical Examination
Taylor’s physical examination revealed abrasions on his thighs and a headache, but no other injuries. A thorough examination confirmed his account of the event was consistent with the physical findings.
The Sketch
Taylor created a detailed sketch for the police, accurately depicting the craft, the mine-like objects, and the overall scene, providing an important visual record of the encounter.
His Employer’s View
Taylor’s employer believed him without any question of dishonesty, noting his excellent reputation and lack of any motive for fabrication. They offered their full support.
Skeptical Explanations
Various skeptical explanations were offered, including a possible epileptic seizure, the phenomenon of ball lightning, a visual mirage, but none of these theories adequately explained the physical evidence, and ultimately, all were rejected.
Why Credible
Several factors contributed to the credibility of Taylor’s account, including the presence of physical evidence, the consistency of his account, his lack of a history of problems, the thorough investigation conducted by the police, and the discovery of the track marks.
Taylor’s Life After
Following the encounter, Robert Taylor steadfastly maintained his story throughout his life. He lived a quiet life and passed away in 2007, continuing to recount his experience and never attempting to profit from the event.
The Clearing Today
Today, the clearing where the incident occurred is marked by a commemorative plaque and serves as a tourist attraction, frequently visited and recognized as a historic site, effectively establishing Dechmont Woods as Scotland’s UFO capital.
Significance
The incident stands as the only documented UFO encounter investigated as a criminal assault, characterized by physical evidence and official police documentation, showcasing a serious investigation of the phenomenon.
Legacy
Robert Taylor’s encounter demonstrates that UFO cases can be investigated properly, with careful evidence collection, witness interviews, and official documentation, as exemplified by the thorough investigation conducted in Scotland.
Sources
- Wikipedia search: “Robert Taylor UFO Encounter”
- CIA UFO/UAP Reading Room — Declassified CIA documents on UAP
- UK National Archives — UFO Files — MoD UFO investigation records
- British Newspaper Archive — UK press archive