The Forth Bridge has been designated as a world heritage site at the latest meeting of the UNESCO world heritage committee in Bonn, meaning that the UK now has 29 designated sites, while in the same week Scotland’s Food Secretary has issued a call for the whisky regions of Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, Highlands, Islands and Lowlands to be nominated following the successful WHS designation of Champagne region.
DCMS writes:
The Forth Bridge yesterday became the UK’s 29th UNESCO World Heritage Site. The decision came during a meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Bonn. The bid to have the bridge recognised was put forward by the UK government following a joint project with the Scottish Government, partnering with Network Rail, Transport Scotland and Historic Scotland.
The World Heritage Committee have praised the bridge as ‘a masterpiece of creative genius because of its distinctive industrial aesthetic’ and ‘an extraordinary and impressive milestone in the evolution of bridge design and construction’.
The Forth Bridge is still the world’s second longest single cantilever span and was first opened in 1890, clearing the way for a fast rail link between the East of Scotland, Edinburgh and London. Over 100 years on, the bridge remains an important part of Britain’s rail infrastructure carrying thousands of passengers each day.
Heritage Minister, Tracey Crouch, said: It’s fantastic news that the UK’s nomination has led to the inscription of the Forth Bridge. Recognition as a World Heritage Site will draw more tourists to the area as well as making sure one of the UK’s great engineering feats stands for future generations. The Forth Bridge is an important part of Britain’s shared national heritage, which is why the UK government put it forward as our nomination for World Heritage Site status last year.
The Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell, said: The Forth Bridge is an iconic piece of Victorian industrial engineering which has a proud place in the UK’s rich culture and heritage. Being recognised as a World Heritage site is a fitting accolade for this bridge which has played such an important part in the lives of Scots for 125 years. The Forth Bridge joins an impressive list – including the Grand Canyon and the Great Wall of China plus, closer to home, New Lanark and St Kilda – which have secured the prestigious World Heritage status. I’m pleased that the UK delegation has been able to secure this status for the Forth Bridge.
The Forth Bridge will be one of a select group of locations that have been awarded World Heritage Site Status in the UK. These include the Heart of Neolithic Orkney, the Derwent Valley Mills and the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd.
The UK government is an active supporter of the international protection of important heritage sites, recently announcing the creation of a cultural protection fund and its intention to ratify the Hague Convention.
The Scottish Government writes:
Scotland’s Food Secretary Richard Lochhead has yesterday (Sunday) said there is now a great opportunity for Scotland’s iconic whisky regions to be recognised as world heritage sites, following the announcement that the French region of Champagne has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status.
He said the industry and its stakeholders – including the Scottish Government – should seize this opportunity to learn from the steps taken by Champagne, and the producers in the region, that will enable Scotland to have its six popular whisky regions to receive the same level of recognition.
Mr Lochhead said: ‘This is excellent news for Champagne, and rightfully deserved – and I now hope this could open up a golden opportunity for Scotland’s many whisky-producing regions. The Scotch whisky industry is iconic and world-famous, steeped in tradition and craft. It’s now time for the industry and public sector to investigate the Champagne region’s success and see what we can learn from it, for the benefit of Scotland. Champagne is an iconic product, recognised the world over – Scotch whisky is just as iconic, if not more. This is Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink – there is no better time than now to push forward and work towards our whisky-producing regions receiving the same level of recognition from UNESCO as Champagne and Burgundy in France.’
Scotland has six whisky regions: Speyside, Islay, Campbeltown, Highlands, Islands and Lowlands.
See a full list of World Heritage Sites in the UK
View the UNESCO press release detailing all designated sites
