Edinburgh is set to see the Forth Road Bridge open to the public for an exclusive behind the scenes tour later this year.
Known as one of the iconic landmarks of the city, BEAR Scotland have announced the bridge will be taking part in Doors Open Day on September 24. Giving locals a chance to see how things work on the bridge every day, guided tours will take place every 15 minutes, with groups taken into restricted access areas.
The guided minibus routes will begin at the office in South Queensferry, stopping at different points of interest along the deck before visiting one of the anchorage chambers on the north side of the bridge, where the main cables are anchored into the rock.
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Lasting around an hour, commentary will be provided by experienced members of staff from BEAR Scotland, Transport Scotland’s operating company for the Forth Road Bridge.
There will be no charge for the tours, however donations to charity will be welcomed. All money raised at the event will go to BEAR Scotland’s national charity partner the Scottish SPCA.
In addition, everyone who attends the open day will have the chance to enter a charity prize draw for a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to the top of the bridge’s main towers.
The Forth Bridges exhibition at Transport Scotland’s Contact and Education Centre will also be open to the public from 9am until 5pm, featuring special exhibits and educational activities. Advance booking is not necessary for the exhibition, or to take a walk across the bridge.
Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for South East Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be able to welcome visitors back to the Forth Road Bridge on Doors Open Day after having to close our doors during the pandemic.
“Our guided minibus tours will give the public a rare chance to visit parts of this famous bridge normally hidden from view, and to hear from experienced members of staff who have worked on the structure for many years.
“We’re also pleased to be raising money for a great cause in the Scottish SPCA. Everyone who attends on the day will have the chance to enter a charity raffle to experience the incredible view from the top of one of the bridge’s main towers.
“The exhibition in the Contact and Education Centre will also be open – so please put the date in your diaries and come along on Saturday 24 September to find out more about all three of these amazing bridges.”
Places on the tours are limited, so advance booking is recommended by emailing doorsopenday@bearscotland.co.uk, specifying whether you prefer to visit in the morning or afternoon.
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