---
title: "Bob Taylor's 1979 Scotland UFO encounter is among several reported incidents"
url: "https://usubjects.com/article/bob-taylors-1979-scotland-ufo-encounter-is-among-several-reported-incidents-3734"
updated: "2026-09-25T16:03:16.320Z"
description: "The item highlights three reported encounters: Bob Taylor’s 1979 incident in Scotland, the 1987 Southland Encounter involving the New Zealand frigate HMNZS Southland, and two 1990s experiences described as the Green Teardrop UFO and the Autumn Door in New York. It references presentations and an interview with sonar operator David Barnett, while noting that the accounts remain subject to differing interpretations and lack confirmed conventional or extraordinary explanations."
sources: ["https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujEhOL3-wbg"]
licence: "All rights reserved"
---

# Bob Taylor's 1979 Scotland UFO encounter is among several reported incidents

Published: 2026-09-24  
Source: [Anomalist](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujEhOL3-wbg)

### Overview

A video presented by Cristina Gomez examines several reported UFO encounters, beginning with the **Dechmont Law incident** in Scotland on November 9, 1979. The case involving forestry worker Robert “Bob” Taylor is notable because it prompted an investigation by Lothian and Borders Police, who initially treated the event as a possible criminal assault by an unknown assailant. The program also discusses the 1987 Southland Encounter involving the New Zealand frigate **HMNZS Southland**, as well as two experiences reported in the 1990s: the “Green Teardrop UFO” and the “Autumn Door” case in New York.

### The Dechmont Law Encounter

At approximately 10:30 a.m., Taylor was inspecting woodland near Dechmont Law, outside Livingston, while accompanied by his dog. According to his account, the animal became frightened before Taylor noticed a large, dome-shaped metallic object in a clearing. He estimated the object to be about 20 feet in diameter and said its surface had a rough, **“sandpaper-like” texture**.

Taylor reported that two smaller spherical objects emerged from the larger craft. He compared them to spiked landmines, describing hissing and sucking sounds as they moved toward him. He said the objects caught his legs, tore his trousers and pulled him toward the main object. Taylor also recalled strong odors resembling **“burning brakes”** and acid before losing consciousness. When he awoke, the objects had disappeared and he was unable to start his vehicle, forcing him to walk roughly a mile home.

### Police Investigation and Physical Evidence

Taylor’s wife, Mary, contacted police and Dr. Gordon Adams after finding him distressed and injured. Investigators Detective Constable Ian Wark and Constable William Douglas examined the clearing and documented ladder-like impressions and small circular markings. According to accounts presented in the video, there were no conventional tracks leading into or out of the area, while the impressions appeared to indicate that several tons had rested on the ground.

Forensic examination of Taylor’s trousers reportedly concluded that the material had been torn by a mechanical force pulling upward. Taylor also experienced severe headaches, a burning sensation on his chin and an acidic taste that persisted for days. Dr. Adams found no major physical abnormality, although Taylor was visibly shaken and had scratches. His employer, Malcolm Drummond, and others who knew him described him as honest and reliable. Researcher Malcolm Robinson later conducted extensive interviews with Taylor and documented the case.

### Other Reported Incidents

The video places the Scottish case alongside the **1987 Southland Encounter**, involving the New Zealand Navy frigate HMNZS Southland. It references a presentation and an interview with sonar operator David Barnett concerning the reported incident. The program also revisits two 1990s accounts: the Green Teardrop UFO and the Autumn Door experience in New York. These cases are presented as part of a broader pattern of unusual observations and close encounters, though the available accounts vary considerably in detail and supporting evidence.

### Interpretations and Unresolved Questions

Skeptical explanations discussed include a medical episode, hallucination or misidentification of the planet Venus. The video argues that such explanations do not fully account for the reported physical traces and damaged clothing, while acknowledging that the case has not been conclusively explained. Comparisons are also drawn with the 1967 Falcon Lake incident involving Stefan Michalak, who reported burns and injuries after an alleged UFO encounter.

Taylor maintained his account until his death in 2007 at age 88. While the Dechmont Law incident remains one of Scotland’s most frequently cited UFO cases—and a rare example of an alleged encounter recorded in a police investigation—**the evidence remains open to differing interpretations**. None of the incidents discussed has been definitively established as either extraterrestrial or conventionally explained.

## Provenance

This USUBJECTS page is a summary or digest of the linked original source. Any accompanying generated visual is an illustrative reconstruction, not evidence.