Queensferry Crossing Opens Its Doors Again to Support Children's Charity

Exclusive behind-the-scenes tours of Scotland's landmark bridge return this September, with proceeds helping Children’s Hospices Across Scotland.

Members of the public will once again have the rare opportunity to step inside one of Scotland's most recognisable engineering landmarks when the Queensferry Crossing opens areas normally closed to visitors as part of this year's Doors Open Days festival.

Following the success of last year's inaugural event, BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is bringing back the exclusive guided tours, with this year's event raising funds for its national charity partner, Children's Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS).

The special event will take place on Saturday 26 September, giving visitors a unique insight into the design, engineering and maintenance of the iconic bridge while supporting a worthy cause.

A Rare Look Behind the Scenes

Successful applicants will be taken on a 90-minute guided tour through parts of the bridge that are normally inaccessible to the public.

Groups will depart every 20 minutes from the Forth Bridges Contact & Education Centre in South Queensferry, where experienced BEAR Scotland engineers will provide commentary throughout the visit.

The tour will include access to the bridge's box girder deck, together with the central reservation where the massive cable stays anchoring the structure are secured—areas rarely seen outside specialist maintenance operations.

Places Allocated by Public Ballot

Demand for the tours is expected to be high, with only 180 places available.

Rather than operating on a first-come, first-served basis, places will be allocated through a random public ballot, which opens on the CHAS website from 21 July until 21 August.

While entry to the ballot is free, applicants will have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation to support the charity's work caring for children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Activities for the Whole Family

Alongside the bridge tours, the Transport Scotland Contact & Education Centre will be open throughout the day, offering a range of engineering displays, interactive exhibits and educational activities aimed at younger visitors.

Everyone attending either the tours or the visitor centre will also be entered into a prize draw offering the chance to win one of five exclusive experiences for two people to climb to the top of the Queensferry Crossing's main towers.

All proceeds generated through the event will go directly to CHAS.

Supporting an Important Cause

David Bishop, BEAR Scotland's South East Bridges Manager, said the response to last year's event demonstrated the public's enthusiasm for learning more about one of Scotland's most significant infrastructure projects while supporting an important charity.

He said:

"Following the overwhelming success of last year's inaugural Queensferry Crossing Doors Open Day, we're excited to invite the public back again this year for another look behind the scenes and to be raising funds to support the incredible work that CHAS does caring for children that may die young.

"These tours will give people a chance to see the bridge up close in areas normally inaccessible to the public, and to learn from the engineers who manage and maintain this iconic structure.

"We look forward to raising as much money as possible for this fantastic cause."

Celebrating Engineering and Community

The event forms part of Scotland's wider Doors Open Days programme, which allows the public to explore buildings, landmarks and infrastructure that are not normally accessible.

For engineering enthusiasts, families and local residents alike, the Queensferry Crossing event offers an opportunity to discover the remarkable engineering hidden within one of the UK's most impressive bridges while helping raise vital funds for a charity that supports children and families across Scotland.

With limited places available and strong interest expected once again, organisers are encouraging anyone interested to enter the ballot when it opens later this month.