New stops on the Forth Bridges Trail unveiled for World Heritage Day

New stops on the Forth Bridges Trail have been unveiled for World Heritage Day (Thursday 18 April 2024).

The visitor trail, which showcases Scotland’s iconic Forth Bridges and the distinctive historic communities of North and South Queensferry, has nine new trail stops along the route.

The Forth Bridges Trail is a five-mile circular route now bringing together 24 points of interest in North and South Queensferry and along the Forth Road Bridge offering historical facts, local tales and folklore and panoramic views of the three Bridges and the Firth of Forth.

The new trail stops include two new tourism interpretation signs celebrating the Forth Bridge’s World Heritage Site status and can be found adjacent to commemorative UNESCO plaques at the High Street steps in South Queensferry and the Albert Hotel bus stop in North Queensferry.

Other new locations include the Forth Bridges viewpoint at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge, which celebrates panoramic views of all three Forth Bridges, and Battery Point picnic area in North Queensferry which offers some of the closest views of the Forth Bridge.

Developed by the Forth Bridges Tourism Group and launched in November 2022, the trail was designed to encourage visitors to explore the area further, on both sides of the Forth, and support the area’s year-round tourism businesses which include boat trips, outdoor activities, visitor attractions, cafes and restaurants, independent retailers and accommodation providers.

Supporting Scotland’s ambitions to be a world-leading responsible destination, the trail is accessible by foot, bike and public transport, including train stations at North Queensferry and Dalmeny.

Signs marking points of interest along the trail have been designed to reflect the famous red steelwork of the original Forth Bridge, awarded UNESO World Heritage Site status in 2015. The panels feature illustrated maps, images and stories on the history of the Bridges, the Firth of Forth, and communities of North and South Queensferry in collaboration with local history and heritage groups. Each panel has a QR code linking to further information on the Forth Bridges website.

Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council's Spokesperson for Finance, Economy and Strategic Planning said: “We are delighted to mark World Heritage Day by sharing new stops on The Forth Bridges Trail. The Forth Bridges communities have welcomed visitors for hundreds of years, be they pilgrims, ferry passengers or those enjoying the coast and our magnificent bridges, and the trail showcases this long and rich history.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, Scotland’s High Admiral of the Firth of Forth, added: “Come and discover Scotland’s three bridges built over three centuries and enjoy the historic and the new in Edinburgh and Fife. With the area so easily accessible by public transport, we hope that The Forth Bridges Trail will continue to encourage visitors to come and explore both sides of the Forth by walking or wheeling, sample the outdoor activities and excellent hospitality that is on offer, while taking in local nature and the wonderful views.”

Thanks go to the local history and heritage groups who have worked with the tourism group to identify the stories and images featured on the panels. Four of the new signs in North Queensferry have been funded through the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

More information on the Forth Bridges Trail: https://www.theforthbridges.org/visit-the-forth-bridges/forth-bridges-trail/