Culture Secretary at the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) Maria Miller has revealed that the UK’s latest nomination for World Heritage site status is to be the Forth railway bridge.
The Forth Bridge is over a mile and a half long and was the first major British construction to be made of steel. At its peak it employed over four and a half thousand construction workers.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Alistair Carmichael said ‘Inscription as a World Heritage site is an important accolade, achieving this recognition will be tremendous news for Scotland and a fitting tribute to all of the people who have contributed to the building, maintenance and restoration of the Bridge in its 124 year history’.
Fiona Hyslop, Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said: ‘The Forth Bridge is an iconic symbol of technical creativity and engineering excellence. As one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks the bridge not only connects communities in a practical sense, but also connects those who admire its design with Scotland’s proud industrial and cultural heritage.
The Scottish Government is proud to support the Forth Bridge bid. I am particularly pleased that the partnership approach that has led to this point has allowed the communities in which the bridge is based to have a direct input alongside local and national bodies. This approach is to be applauded and ensures our bid is the strongest it can possibly be’.
UK Government news: LINK
For background information on the bid see the IHBC Newsblog archive: LINK
