March 2025 marks 135 years since the opening of the Forth Bridge. Find out how you can join in the celebrations.
On 04 March 1890, His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales officially opened the Forth Bridge, a 2,467m long railway bridge over the Firth of Forth, connecting Edinburgh and the Lothians with the Kingdom of Fife.
Recognised across the world as the most famous of cantilever designs, it is a marvel of Victorian engineering. For 28 years it held the record as the world’s longest span, and in 2015 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
200 trains use the bridge every day, carrying 3 million passengers each year.
Explore more about the history and construction of this grand structure on the Forth Bridges website.
The Forth Bridge at 135 – programme of events
March 2025 is the 135th anniversary of the Forth Bridge. From exhibitions to presentations, explore the different way you can discover more about this iconic structure:
- Located within the Transport Scotland Contact and Education Centre at South Queensferry, a public exhibition will explore the history of the Forth Bridge. Free to attend, it is open on 04 March from 2pm to 5pm, and 08 March from 10am to 4pm.
- Looking at the history, construction, restoration and maintenance of the bridge, an Engineering and heritage presentation will take place on 04 March, 6.30pm to 8pm. Booking required.
- Approximately 5 miles in length, the Forth Bridges Trail is a circular walk that takes in all three of the Forth Bridges, as well as the coastal towns of North and South Queensferry.
- For a unique experience, take a trip on a steam train. The Forth Bridge Lunchtime Tour takes place on 29 November 2025. Booking required.
For details of the full programme of events go to The 135th Anniversary of The Forth Bridge.
Discover more about the Forth Bridges
From bars with waterside views to boat trips along the coast, discover more ways you can enjoy Edinburgh’s Forth Bridges.
