Scotland’s Forth Bridge has become the country’s sixth World Heritage site after being officially inscribed by UNESCO.
The 125-year-old cantilever bridge spans the Firth of Forth between North Queensbury and South Queensbury.
It joins Edinburgh Old and New Towns, the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, New Lanark, the Antonine Wall and St Kilda, all of which are listed as World Heritage sites.
Earlier this year, the Forth Bridge celebrated its 125th birthday. At the peak of its construction, more than 4,500 men worked on the bridge.
The size and complexity of the structure is well reputed. Painting the bridge was a never-ending responsibility – a problem that has only recently been solved.
The long-awaited decision to award it World Heritage status was welcomed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. She said: ”
The Forth Bridge is known as one of the industrial wonders of the world, and it is fitting it has been recognised as one of Scotland’s six World Heritage Sites. I congratulate everyone involved in this bid.
“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.”
David Dickson, infrastructure director, Network Rail said: “The Forth Bridge is a prime example of civil engineering and an iconic structure, not only in Scotland but across the world.
“The awarding of the inscription is the culmination of a great deal of planning from a wide range of organisations and a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who built and continue to maintain the bridge.”
