Today, HM The Queen will visit the Forth Road Bridge to mark the iconic structure’s 50th birthday.
Accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, The Queen will unveil a plaque dedicated to the people who have worked on the maintenance and operation of the Bridge over the past 50 years.
The plaque is positioned at the viewing platform, which is located next to the Forth Estuary Transport Authority (FETA) offices. It will sit alongside the memorial The Queen unveiled when opening the Bridge on 4 September 1964. Then she swept across the bridge in a large black limousine ahead of a motorcade following her. Today she will use the bridge to get to Rosyth to name the UK’s latest aircraft carrier.
Whilst at the Bridge, the Royal Party will meet FETA’s six longest serving members of staff. Her Majesty will also be presented with a bouquet of flowers by Charlotte Waite, aged eight.
Also present today will be a small group of members from The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), who formed the Guard of Honour when The Queen opened the Bridge. The group who will proudly represent the original guard includes Guard Commander Colonel Dudley Lucas (then Major) and Major Philip Grant (then Lieutenant).
The Royal Party will then cross over the Bridge, as The Queen makes her way to Rosyth to name the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth.
Lesley Hinds, convenor of FETA, said: “It was a young HM The Queen who opened the Forth Road Bridge 50 years ago, so FETA is honoured to welcome Her Majesty back to help mark the Bridge’s 50th birthday.
“Many people have dedicated their entire lives to maintaining and operating the Forth Road Bridge – keeping a vital part of Scotland’s infrastructure network in good shape – and I can think of no better way to commemorate the time and effort they have given over the years.
“Having the Cameronians present also harks back to that historic day in 1964 when North and South Queensferry were finally linked by the Forth Road Bridge and we are delighted that they will be present to welcome Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh.”
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