Forth Bridge in Scotland Becomes UNESCO World Heritage Site

The 125-year-old Forth Bridge, on the east coast of Scotland, has been officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The world-famous cantilever bridge is Scotland’s sixth World Heritage site, joining Edinburgh Old and New Towns, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, the Antonine Wall and St Kilda.

When it was constructed it was one of the most ambitious projects of its kind ever attempted, and at its peak, more than 4,500 men were employed building it, with construction taking eight years to complete.

“The Forth Bridge’s Inscription as a World Heritage Site is an honour, and true recognition of the bridge’s unique place in Scotland’s history. Spanning two and a half kilometres and comprising 53,000 tonnes of mild steel, the Forth Bridge is a monument to innovative industry and engineering. Its giant double-cantilever towers, with their powerful yet graceful design, are recognised the world over, said Scotland’s First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. “The Scottish Government and its agencies are working together to ensure our diverse historic environment – from the industrial heritage of the Forth Bridge and New Lanark to the Neolithic Heart of Orkney – is understood, valued, cared for and protected now, and for future generations.”

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, added, “As far as potential visitors to Scotland are concerned, World Heritage Site status lends even greater aura and appeal to one of the planet’s most instantly recognisable landmarks. And the timing is perfect as, in 2016, this country will celebrate the Year of Innovation, Architecture and Design and you would be hard-pushed to find a better example of all three qualities anywhere in the world than in the Forth Bridge.”