Forth Rail Bridge Bid for World Heritage Status

Network Rail has agreed to support a World Heritage Site status bid for the Forth Rail Bridge, in a move welcomed by Bill Walker, SNP MSP for nearby Dunfermline. Previously Network Rail had failed to support the bid, meaning it could not go ahead.

Mr Walker, also a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology, said:

“The Forth Rail Bridge is a feat of remarkable engineering and is recognised all over the world as a symbol of Scotland and of our famous pioneering spirit. It richly deserves World Heritage status.

“This would see the bridge recognised alongside other global attractions, such as the Statue of Liberty in New York and Australia’s Ayers Rock.

“Such an accolade would boost tourism in Scotland and in the Kingdom of Fife, including the ancient former capital, Dunfermline. It would be great news for the economy, as well as bringing prestige.”

Network Rail’s change of heart will see the Forth Rail Bridge included on the UK Tentative List for nomination for inscription as a World Heritage Site.

Recently, Transport Scotland convened the Forth Bridges Forum working group comprising officials from a variety of groups, including Network Rail and Fife Council. In addition to promoting the Forth Replacement Crossing, the Forth Road Bridge and the Forth Road Bridge, the group is working to advance the World Heritage Site bid for the Forth Rail Bridge.