In pictures: Memorials recognise Forth Bridge’s human cost

THE ten-year restoration of a major landmark has been completed with the unveiling of a monument to workers who built it by the First Minister.

Refurbishing the Forth Bridge included applying a coat of paint which is expected to last 25 years.

To mark the completion of the work, which cost £130 million, Network Rail and contractor Balfour Beatty supported a community campaign to remember those who have worked – and the 73 who died – on the bridge during its 129-year history.

Alex Salmond yesterday unveiled two monuments by local artist Gordon Muir, one at either end of the bridge in North and South Queensferry.

He said: “The Forth Bridge is perhaps the single most inspirational structure ever to have been built in Scotland. As a pioneering, supremely practical but also very beautiful feat of engineering, it has few equals anywhere in the world and the completion of its ten-year restoration project is a terrific achievement.”