60 Years

The Forth Road Bridge was opened on 4 September 1964. I remember taking the car ferry from South Queensferry to North Queensferry whenever we wanted to head north, and seeing the bridge being constructed. At the time it was the world’s longest suspension bridge outside of the USA. Now it is the 49th longest!

It transformed car travel to and from Fife. With more then a doubling of traffic volume - and lorry weight - and some cable corrosion a new bridge, the Queensferry Crossing had to be built. It can be seen in the main photo from the platform we were on. It was opened on 4 September 2017.

We (our son and I) were on the platform because I entered a competition, publicised in the Scotsman newspaper, to get up one of the towers of the Forth Road Bridge. Having been to the top of the rail bridge a few years back I thought it would be fun.

Much to my surprise I was selected as a winner of 2 places. There were 60 in total for the unique event throughout the 60th anniversary day with groups of 6 or 8 going up either the north or south tower. The interior lift carried the operator and 2 guests to hear the top. There was then a 40ft climb up a vertical ladder to arrive on the platform.

The weather could not have been better. Practically no wind, sunshine and clear skies.

A memorable event on what was l great day rounded off with a family and friends dinner!