Seals Craig

This is a great spot to appreciate the sheer scale of the Forth Bridge.

Opened in 1890, the Forth Bridge is a Scottish icon that is recognised as the most famous of cantilever designs. The world's first major steel structure, the Forth Bridge represents a key milestone in the history of modern railway civil engineering and still holds the record as the world’s longest cantilever bridge.

• The bridge is 100 metres tall (328 feet) and 2,529 metres long (8,296 feet).
• Around 200 trains cross every day up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
• It was built with 50,000 tonnes of mild steel, with around 6% recycled.
• Around 6,000,000 rivets hold it together.

In July 2015, UNESCO inscribed the Forth Bridge as the sixth World Heritage site in Scotland. World Heritage Sites must prove they have “Outstanding Universal Value” to all of humanity and are required to meet rigorous criteria. World Heritage status is so selective that only 1,154 sites worldwide have been awarded the designation. The Forth Bridge now features alongside the prestigious Pyramids of Giza, The Great Wall of China and Notre Dame.

Scotland is the first country in the world to bring together 13 UNESCO sites into one trail. Discover the wonder within it by following Scotland’s UNESCO Trail.

Look across the road to spot the Guardian of the Bridges, a Nessie-like creature nicknamed Maggie by locals. This characterful mosaic creature commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge and is based on designs and mosaics created by Queensferry school children. A true community project, over 700 people were involved in the creation of this public art installation.