Due to essential maintenance the WEST Footpath/Cycleway is CLOSED except during weekends, please use the EAST Footpath/Cycleway.
There are roadworks in both directions.
Access Restrictions
Battery Road
Trail stopwhat3words///retraced.petrified.under
GPS 56.007883,-3.392916
The Human Voice of The Bridge
The name Briggers refers to the men and boys who constructed the Forth Bridge. Many commuted on the daily train from Edinburgh and their presence shaped life in North and South Queensferry. It is said that at the end of a shift, the local Hawes Inn would line up 200 pints on the bar!
Sadly, it was backbreaking and dangerous work. Efforts were made to keep the workers safe but many were injured. So many that an accident ward was set up next to the garden of Hawes Inn.
In total, 73 men and boys were killed. The youngest was just 13 years old.
Erected in 2012, the Briggers Memorial pays tribute to them, listing their names to give a human voice to The Bridge.
Identifying the names to inscribe was not straightforward. It was commonly assumed that the records of the Sick and Accident Club (an early form of insurance) could be used but no trace of the records could be found.
Without a complete historical record, members of the South Queensferry History Group and other local enthusiasts embarked on the huge task of identifying the casualties. They spent years going through the census and other documents to find those who died and recognise their contribution to this massive feat of engineering.
What's Nearby?
Look out for the information signs dotted around this area; the nearest one is beside the War Memorial.
There’s a lovely picnic area under the Forth Bridge at the bottom of the north cantilever. Children from the local primary school helped with the planters and a time-capsule. There are great close-up views under the bridge.
In the small carpark with the Briggers Memorial, there's a public toilet (fee applies) and some benches to relax and take in the view.
As you look over this sign towards the Forth Road Bridge, you will see John Rennie’s Town Pier. Stroll across to visit two wonderful miniatures: the world’s smallest working light tower and Scotland’s smallest museum.
Essential Information
- There is a public toilet in the Battery Road Carpark (there is a small fee)
- The nearest places to eat (The Wee Restaurant and Rankins) are near the War Memorial Trail Stop
Where Next on the Trail?
Depending on which route you are walking, the next stops are:
Albert Hotel
North QueensferryThe Albert Hotel pre-dates the Forth Bridge.
Location References
what3words///cold.free.swordfish
GPS 56.012303, -3.394314
Battery Road Car Park
North QueensferryFor the Briggers Memorial
Location References
what3words///sprouted.outgoing.visitors
GPS 56.007937, -3.392675
See all Trail Stops
Forth Bridges Trail Maps
For North & South QueensferryYou can also use ///what3words to guide you to the trail signs. The ///what3words reference is given on each trail stop page.