There is no place in the world other than Scotland that has all three types of bridge together – a suspension, cantilever and cable-stayed bridge. Here is what you need to know about visiting Scotland’s three iconic bridges. Be ready to be impressed by their stunning views and delve into their history.
Scotland’s Three Iconic Bridges
Forth Bridge
The Forth Bridge or also know as the Forth Railway Bridge was opened in 1890 taking 8 years to complete. The first cantilever bridge built in the UK.
Today it is a UNESCO world heritage site, attracting millions each year. You can take the train over this incredible structure from Edinburgh crossing the Firth of Forth to North Queensferry. Here you can walk through the coastal town and view the bridge from below. Once finished you can either take the train back or walk over to South Queensferry via the Forth Road Bridge.
There is also a train station on the South Queensferry side a few minutes walk away called Dalmeny. You might also like to visit Inchcolm Island by boat from South Queensferry, enjoy browsing in the small shops, an ice cream at The Little Parlour or traditional fish & chips with an Irn Bru.
Summers day walking across the Forth Road Bridge ©MDHardingForth Road Bridge
2015 celebrated 50 years of the Forth Road Bridge. Carrying traffic and pedestrians since 1964, it’s one of the main gateways to the North of Scotland.
On completion, it was the longest suspension bridge of its kind outside the U.S.A. Today you can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the 1.5 miles (2.5km).
Happy 50th Birthday Forth Road Bridge ©MDHardingQueensferry Crossing
The 1.7 miles (2.7km) structure project began in 2011 and will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world, as well as being by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span.
Thousands signed up for a once in a lifetime chance to walk across the new bridge, scheduled to open on 30th August 2017.
The online ballot to select the lucky 50,000 people to get the chance to walk across the Queensferry Crossing as part of forthcoming opening celebrations has now closed.
The ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity has attracted 82,198 separate ballot entries, comprising a total of over 226,000 individuals. The random selection computer process chose 50,000 entrants. The Queensferry Crossing Experience is taking place on the weekend of 2nd and 3rd September.
The vast majority (97 per cent) of entrants have Scottish addresses with 51 per cent hailing from the postcodes most directly neighbouring the bridge. Some 5,180 individuals entered have postcodes from elsewhere in the UK. The remaining 437 hail from the rest of the world, including the United States, India and one single entrant from Slovakia.
You can also visit the Education Centre to watch the presentation series.
You can reach the bridges by train, local bus, the 3 bridges tour or by car. If on a cruise visiting Edinburgh, you may be docked out on the Firth of Forth.
I hope you have enjoyed reading about Scotland’s three iconic bridges crossing the Firth of Forth and inspired to visit them. Happy Travels:) x