THE Forth Bridge has been put forward as the UK’s latest nomination for World Heritage site status.
The bridge, recognised around the world as an extraordinary feat of engineering, was the first major British construction to be made of steel. At its peak it employed over four-and-a-half thousand construction workers.
If successful, the site would join Stonehenge, The Tower of London, and the Jurassic Coast on the existing list of UK World Heritage sites and worldwide would be among a select group that includes the Taj Mahal, the Grand Canyon and the Great Wall of China. UNESCO will examine the nomination and make a final decision next year.
World Heritage sites are huge tourist draws contributing to the estimated £26.4 billion and over 700,000 jobs that heritage-based tourism contributes to the UK.
Culture Secretary Maria Miller said, “I want to thank the bid partners, the organisations and the people that have worked hard to develop the nomination, which has my full support.”
Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Culture and External Affairs, said, “The Forth Bridge is an iconic symbol of technical creativity and engineering excellence. 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 bid.”
