Guided walks plan for Forth Bridge

GUIDED walks could take place at the top of the Forth Bridge under plans to win World Heritage status for the iconic structure.

Visitors and tourists would be able to stroll around an observation deck, taking in stunning views of the 
Lothians and Fife.

Historic Scotland will kick off moves to win the Unesco award for the bridge by embarking on a 12-week consultation process from next month. It is understood proposals for guided walks and an observation deck at the top of the bridge, along with a visitor centre on one side of the Firth of Forth, will also be put forward.

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The cantilever railway bridge, built in 1890 and considered one of the world’s greatest feats of engineering, is one of two UK sites that have been chosen to put forward proposals to Unesco.

The other is Gorham’s Cave Complex in Gibraltar, with final bids due to be submitted in February next year. A potential “Forth Bridge Experience” tour could involve visitors being taken in lifts up the structure’s north cantilever – 360ft above the Forth.

Observation decks similar to those on the Sydney Harbour Bridge would offer views north into Fife and as far east as North Berwick.

Queensferry and District Community Council secretary Terry Airlie said a a visitor experience would prove popular for all three bridges, including the Forth Replacement Crossing due to be finished in 2016. He said: “In principle, World Heritage seems like a good idea, but there are concerns about infrastructure. There are a lot of issues locally, in terms of facilities and in terms of parking.”

City council transport vice-convener Jim Orr said plans for more than 2000 people to climb the Forth Road Bridge towers during next year’s Homecoming celebrations would help identify whether there was a demand for a similar feature on the rail crossing.

He said the council fully supported the Unesco bid, but pointed out investment would be needed in the town of South Queensferry.

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He said: “While I’d welcome investigation of any new or better facilities, or improvements to infrastructure which will help us optimise visitor numbers, we would need to ensure that these would be developed sensitively and in consultation with local people and partner groups like Queensferry Ambition.”

A Historic Scotland spokeswoman said: “People will be able to express their views either by completing a specially-designed questionnaire or by participating in a series of public events.

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“The hope is that local people in particular will respond to the consultation, and that their views can be taken on board in the final version of the nomination when it is submitted to Unesco in February 2014.”

Crossing’s role in homecoming event

THE Forth Road Bridge will not miss out on the limelight with the structure to be a focus of Scotland’s second Year of Homecoming celebrations.

A parade across the bridge and a flotilla of boats in the Forth will be used to mark the crossing’s 50th anniversary on September 7 next year.

A special air display, an art trail and a torchlit procession across the structure will also take place, with a massive fireworks display on September 13.

Tickets to climb the bridge’s towers will go on sale later this year, with proceeds going towards the celebrations.

Traffic will be diverted away from the bridge while the events take place.

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