Forth Bridges Trail

Bellstane

Trail stop

what3words///couches.parkland.birthing

GPS 55.990715,-3.397256

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Bellstane is a small square in the High Street of South Queensferry.

The Bellstane was originally a stone which marked the line of the Burgh boundary. By the 19th century, Bellstane marked the centre of town life for public auctions, market stalls, travelling fairs, sideshows and the annual Ferry Fair.

The Bellstane Bird is a carving of an owl sitting on a bell, depicting the one which would ring to signify market times. You can see it high on the wall at No 2 above Bellstane Dental Practice. Residents from this end of town were called Bellstane Birds and the name was adopted by the local football club.

The 'Bellstane Walk' is still one of the challenges during Ferry Fair week: people compete to carry two 80lb weights from Bellstane, along the High Street, and back to Bellstane. The person who completes the furthest distance is proclaimed champion. Do you fancy your chances?

What's Nearby?

Glimpse the bridges
Heading up The Loan to the small shopping centre you will find a lovely path starting in the corner of the car park on the old railway line which is a tree-lined slightly sloping walk towards Dalmeny station. There are many places to glimpse the bridges through the trees.

Plewlands House
On the corner across the road is the 17th-century Plewlands House maintained by National Trust Scotland. The inscription above the main door refers to the marriage of Samuel Wilson and Anna Ponton and the translation reads: Christ is my hope.

Jubilee Clock Tower
Built in 1720 with funding from voluntary public subscriptions, this four-storey tower soars above High Street. In 1887-88, the tower was remodelled to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. The four white clock faces clearly show the title of Jubilee Clock.