North Queensferry Railway Station

The station was a bit of an afterthought. When the bridge opened, locals had to get off at Inverkeithing. Unsurprisingly, they weren't too happy about this and the station was built in response to the local outcry. It was constructed at an impressive speed, opening just three months later.

A fine example of Victorian design, in its heyday, it housed a ticket office, the station master's office and separate waiting rooms for ladies and gents. There were even two cast iron fireplaces to keep everyone warm and toasty. 

The buildings fell into disrepair until a large volunteer-led restoration project in 2012.

The station is now managed by the North Queensferry Heritage Trust and is home to the locally curated Forth Bridge Heritage Centre. You can browse the artefacts, enjoy the pictures of the original station and chat to the very knowledgeable volunteers about the history of the area. This wee gem of a place also hosts art exhibitions. 

It’s easy to imagine the station in the age of steam. The legendary Flying Scotsman even passes through from time to time, attracting crowds of trainspotters and photographers.

If you’re a keen photographer, stand on the little footbridge for some great shots of The Bridges, or go to the end of the southbound station to capture the trains coming off the bridge.

Look out for the Bridge Centenary mosaic created by villagers and local schoolchildren and get the kids to count how many birds they can spot!