World heritage status was last night placed on Scotland's Antonine Wall, putting it in the same league of importance as the Great Wall of China and the pyramids of Egypt.

Unesco's world heritage committee, meeting in the Canadian city of Quebec, ruled that the site of the 2000-year-old landmark, which runs for 37 miles from Bo'ness in West Lothian to Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire, should be recognised.

The Antonine Wall represented the most northerly walled frontier of the Roman empire.

Culture Minister Linda Fabiani said: "I'm delighted the Antonine Wall and its archaeological and historical significance have been recognised by the World Heritage Committee.

"The decision reinforces the Antonine Wall's international status which is thoroughly deserved. The Antonine Wall represents an incredible part of Scotland's history. Its inscription as Scotland's fifth World Heritage Site - the highest accolade of a nation's heritage - should be celebrated by everyone."

A press conference will be held today to formally recognise the new world heritage site in Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, where the well-preserved remains of a Roman bath-house and latrine, built in the 2nd century AD to serve a small fort, are located.

The wall became the UK's official nomination for world heritage status in January last year when it was put forward by then Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell.

The bid was supported by five local authorities in central and the west of Scotland.

Scottish Conservative Party deputy leader Murdo Fraser, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, lodged a motion in the Scottish Parliament four months later supporting a bid for the wall's special status.

A detailed examination of the site was carried out last summer by the International Council on Monuments and Sites, the organisation which advises Unesco on potential world heritage sites.

Mr Fraser said: "This is a fantastic victory for all those who have campaigned for the Antonine Wall's special place in history to be recognised.

"I am sure it will help to protect this important piece of our heritage for future generations to come."

Bruce Henderson, chair of Friends of Kinneil who has a business in Bo'ness, said: "Local businesses have been pressing for the development of a Heritage Park to be developed around the historic towns of Bo'ness, Linlithgow and Blackness.

"Together they can tell the story of Scotland but add unique features to this story for both Scottish and international visitors."

The structure, named after Emperor Antonius Pius, was built about 140AD to keep Caledonian tribesmen out of the northern part of Rome's empire. Two-thirds of the wall has survived.

The Antonine Wall joins 27 other UK world heritage sites, including Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, the St Kilda islands, New Lanark and Orkney's "Neolithic Heart".

A review into Edinburgh's world heritage status was launched on Sunday at Unesco's Quebec summit.

The move follows concerns over the handling of the controversial Caltongate development in the Old Town.

The Scottish Government, which has been given until February to defend the capital's status, welcomed the move. Unesco rules state the government must consult it on any development in a heritage site before approval is granted.