The Forth Rail Bridge has been officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is now sixth such site in Scotland’s, joining Edinburgh's Old and New Towns, the Antonine Wall and St Kilda. The 125-year-old cantilever bridge spans the Firth of Forth and is known as one of the industrial wonders of the world.
The bid for World Heritage Status was taken forward by the Forth Bridges Forum, established by the Scottish Government to promote the three Forth Bridges. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said:
"The Forth Bridge is known as one of the industrial wonders of the world, and it is fitting it has been recognised as one of Scotland’s six World Heritage Sites. I congratulate everyone involved in this bid. The Forth Bridge’s Inscription as a World Heritage Site is an honour, and true recognition of the Bridge’s unique place in Scotland’s history.
"Spanning two and a half kilometres and comprising 53,000 tonnes of mild steel, the Forth Bridge is a monument to innovative industry and engineering. Its giant double-cantilever towers, with their powerful yet graceful design, are recognised the world over.
"The Forth Bridge is an outstanding example of Scotland’s built heritage and its endurance is testament not only to the ingenuity of those who designed and built it but also to the generations of painters, engineers and maintenance crews who have looked after it through the years."
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