Memorial to Forth Bridge dead unveiled

Memorials to the workers who died building the world famous Forth Bridge were set to be unveiled by First Minister Alex Salmond this morning.

Thousands of “Briggers” have worked building, maintaining and restoring the bridge over its 129 year history.

Twin monuments to 73 men who died in the process will be unveiled by the first minister at sites in both North and South Queensferry. The base of the monuments is engraved with the words: “To the Briggers, past and present, who built, restored and continue to maintain this iconic structure.”

The event marks the end of a ten-year restoration project on the rail crossing over the Firth of Forth. The First Minister said: “The Forth Bridge is perhaps the single most inspirational structure ever to have been built in Scotland.”

The memorial plan was devised by a team of local historians and enthusiasts.