Public viewing platform being considered for Forth Bridge in bid to boost tourism By Alastair Dalton Published on Sunday 22 January 2012 00:00 WANTED: tourists with a stern constitution and a head for heights. Rail chiefs are considering a proposal to build a public viewing platform at the top of the iconic Forth Bridge. In what could become a must-try experience, lifts would whisk visitors up one of the famous structure's cantilevers to a point 360ft above the Firth of Forth to enjoy breathtaking views of the Victorian engineering marvel. The viewing area would also provide an unparalleled panorama from the 122-year-old railway crossing as far west as Ben Lomond, east to Edinburgh and North Berwick and north to Fife. Supporters predict the attraction would be a global draw, providing a major boost to the local economy from admissions and merchandise, while Scottish firms would compete for sponsorship opportunities. Still in its early stages, the project could also involve a visitor centre being built at the north end of the bridge in North Queensferry. Paying visitors would walk out from the centre to lifts designed to run up the side of the north cantilever - built on land, unlike the other two - to its apex high above the Firth. Up to now, public visits to Scotland's biggest grade A listed structure have been rare, with access at track level restricted because of the narrowness of the walkway. However, greater visitor access is being given serious consideration because large-scale anti-rust painting of the bridge has been completed for the first time in its history. Scaffolding and safety covers which have shrouded the structure for a decade to help hundreds of workers finish the task have also been removed. The observation area could sit on top of the north cantilever, where a large, flat platform was positioned for the painting work. Studies have yet to determine if an outside viewing deck would be feasible because of high wind speeds, or whether it would have to be enclosed. Other iconic bridges around the world - such as the structures over the harbours in Sydney and Auckland - have become major draws for tourists. David Simpson, managing director Scotland for bridge owner Network Rail, said he was "very supportive" of the proposal to site a viewing area on top of the Forth Bridge. It is something we have thought about and we are examining its feasibility. I'm really excited at looking at it and seeing what we can do. We do not know yet what might be possible but it is really worth considering. Simpson described the experience of climbing the bridge as "staggering. It is so vast, so immense, you feel safe because it almost envelops you when you are on it. It is amazing to think it is more than 120 years old and in as good a condition as when it was built. Nigel Harris, managing editor of RAIL magazine, said he came up with the idea of a viewing platform proposal after being taken on a bridge tour by Network Rail last month and was delighted that the company was now taking it very seriously. He said: "It's an iconic, emblematic 360ft structure which hundreds of thousands of people would pay to ascend. It is one of the wonders of the engineering world and yet there is no recognition, no explanation, no display actually at the bridge itself. I'm naturally delighted that Network Rail has taken RAIL's visitor centre proposal so seriously and hope that some practical and cost effective ideas emerge. I'm certain that any number of Scottish brands - banks and whisky spring to mind - would be eager to have their names linked to such a world class, high-profile tourist attraction. I'll wager the "Forth Bridge Experience" could easily be as globally famous and respected as an Eiffel Tower visit - only better." Harris said the bridge would provide an unforgettable visitor experience. It's hard to convey the sheer sense of scale and utterly epic size of this structure, and how puny mere flesh and blood feels when you're embraced in its massive web of steel and tracery. Several crossings in other countries offer "bridge climbs" , such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia and the Auckland Harbour Bridge in New Zealand. In Sydney, visitors are given special clothing and a safety harness for group tours on catwalks and ladders to the top of the bridge, nearly 450ft above the harbour. A Network Rail spokesman said: "We are examining the feasibility of establishing visitor access at the bridge and this is one of a number of options under discussion. We are very proud to be the custodian of such an iconic structure and following our 10-year restoration and repainting of the bridge we are keen to ensure it continues to play a role in the nation's future as well as its history. First Minister Alex Salmond, who is backing Network Rail's bid for the bridge to be granted World Heritage Site status, welcomed the proposal. He said: "The Forth Bridge is already well-recognised as an icon of Scotland and one of our most breathtaking images. We won't know for some time if the Forth Bridge will be successful in gaining World Heritage Status but it really is a must-see. Anything which feasibly adds to that experience would be welcome. Men of Steel: The men who maintain the Forth Rail Bridge Maintenance has continued on the Forth Bridge since its completion in 1890. But despite the terrible risks of toiling 300ft above the sea, the men who work on the structure consider themselves a family. Their strength, endurance and pride somehow represent the very nature of the iconic landmark. By Peter Ross A riveting sight IT'S THAT Richard Hannay moment. I'm standing by the railway track on the Forth Bridge, just at the Queensferry tower, the most southerly of the three from which the bridge cantilevers its gargantuan way across the Forth. Our party has walked, clambered and occasionally slunk out from the South Queensferry side, along alarmingly tenuous-seeming metal grid catwalks, through which, between our feet, we can see the gunmetal waters of the Forth swirling 150ft below. Blood-red wonder of a golden age A FEW YEARS back, AG Barr ran an advertising campaign of even more genius than that of Guinness.