The Forth Road Bridge 60th anniversary

On 04 September 1964 Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Forth Road Bridge, a 2.5km long bridge over the Firth of Forth, connecting Edinburgh and the Lothians with the Kingdom of Fife.

It is one of the world’s most significant long-span suspension bridges and at the time of its opening, was the fourth longest in the world and the longest outside the United States. Its motto, which continues to this day, is “Guid Passage”.

Today, it is used primarily for use by public transport, as well as being accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Explore more about the history and construction of this grand structure on the Forth Bridges website.

The Forth Road Bridge at 60 – programme of events

September 2024 is the 60th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge. From exhibitions to vintage bus rides across the bridge, explore all the different way you can join in the celebrations.

1. Located within the Transport Scotland Contact & Education Centre at South Queensferry, a free public exhibition will explore the history of the Forth Road Bridge. Free to attend, it is open on 04, 07 and 28 September.
2. Take a trip back in step onboard a Vintage Bus Trip. Featuring buses that would have been in service in the 1960’s, trip will run across the Forth Road Bridge between Ferry Toll Park and Ride (Inverkeithing) and the Ferrymuir Gait carpark (South Queensferry).
   This event takes place on 07 September. Prebooking recommended.
3. Do you have one of the biscuit tins or commemorative coins that were produced to mark the opening of the Forth Road Bridge? The Forth Bridges are curating a Digital Archive containing artefacts and vintage photos that can be enjoyed for future generations. Get involved by sharing any items or photos with them on Facebook by tagging @theforthbridges and using #ForthRoadBridge60.

For details of the full programme of events go to The Forth Road Bridge 60^th  Anniversary.