Bridge hoists high fliers to mark St Andrew's Day

Published on Tuesday 25 November 2008 08:51

WHEN it comes to flying the flag for Scotland there are perhaps not many other places that can do it quite so effectively.

As part of the upcoming celebrations for St Andrew's Day, two giant Saltires have been hoisted for the first time at a height of 500ft on the Forth Road Bridge.

Although only measuring 15ft, the flags are intended to be visible for miles around.

The bridge joins the clock at the Balmoral Hotel in celebrating the Scotland's national day with the Saltire this year.

Tony Martin, convener of the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, said: "The Forth Road Bridge is a Scottish icon so we're celebrating St Andrew's Day by flying Scotland's national flag from the tower tops."

The Saltires were hoisted on the bridge towers in a carefully planned operation yesterday.

Other events planned for St Andrew's Day include a party in Princes Street Gardens to mark the start of Edinburgh's Winter Festival.

Housed in a giant tent, St Andrew's DO! will feature a range of free events and activities for families, teenagers and adults over the weekend. The event will celebrate all elements of Scottish culture and heritage, kicking off with a "happy march", which will see hundreds of youngsters march to the Gardens in Saltire colours.

The family-friendly programme of events includes four zones of activity, including storytelling, games and ceilidh dancing for children as well as the opportunity to attend Scottish Rugby skills sessions and meet the SRU players. Dance workshops and urban theatre for teenagers and young adults are also planned.

Saturday evening will boast entertainment from Scottish musical talent Sandi Thom and The Dykeenies, while revellers on both nights will whirl round the dance floor to the skirl of the pipes from contemporary celtic band Salsa Celtica.

Transport minister Stewart Stevenson told the Evening News it was "fitting" to fly the Saltire from one of the country's most iconic structures.