West Lothian couple among thousands to ascend Forth Bridge for charity

A WEST Lothian couple who got engaged at the top of the Forth Bridge are among the thousands of visitors who have helped raise nearly half a million pounds for Barnardo’s Scotland – as tickets go on sale today for a new round of the charity’s famous viewings.

Laura and Connor Robertson, from Armadale, got down on one knee 361 feet above the Firth of Forth two years ago. This March, the couple tied the knot in South Queensferry – with their beloved bridge forming the backdrop to their wedding photographs. Their three-year-old son Noah was also there on the day.

Barnardo’s Scotland’s Your View at the Forth Bridge event, run with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, gives members of the public the chance to climb the iconic Victorian structure and replicate the Robertsons’ experience, or simply take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.

Laura said: “The proposal was a complete surprise! Connor didn’t even tell me that we were doing the bridge viewing until we arrived in the car park, so the whole day was a pleasant surprise from start to finish.

“Your View was one of the best things we’ve done together – getting to be up on top of the bridge and taking in some of the most amazing sights.

 “I’d recommend it to anyone. The volunteers were amazing, from getting history about the bridge being built, to the friendly and helpful staff joining you as you make your way up in the hoist.

“It was a day we will never forget. Barnardo’s is an incredible charity and we’re over the moon that all of the money from tickets goes straight towards the great work that they do in Scotland.”

Tickets for the 2026 event – running from Friday 18 September to Sunday 20 September – go on sale on 18 June at 10am via Eventbrite.

Michele Janes, the Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “As I step into my new role in Scotland, I’m struck by how the Your View event captures the very best of what Scotland offers: breathtaking beauty, a sense of possibility and experiences that stay with you long after you’ve come back down to earth.

“The view from the top of the Forth Bridge is a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition, engineering brilliance and community spirit come together.

“It’s a unique opportunity for people to see Scotland from a new perspective, connecting them to the scale of the possible, while supporting the potential of children and families across the country.”

More than 7,000 people have made the climb since the event began, with around a dozen marriage proposals recorded on the viewing platform.

The event has raised more than £450,000 for the children’s charity, with both Network Rail and construction giant Balfour Beatty collaborating with barnardo’s to make the event a success.

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s Director of Engineering and Asset Management, said:

“The Forth Bridge is one of Scotland’s most cherished and recognisable landmarks, and we’re proud to once again support an event that allows people to experience it in such a unique way.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to know that this special opportunity not only gives visitors a remarkable perspective of the bridge, but also helps raise vital funds for Barnardo’s Scotland and the important work they do with children and families.

“We’d also like to offer our congratulations to Laura and Connor. We’re delighted that the Forth Bridge continues to play such a meaningful role in their story.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, added: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve.

“The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support children and families in Scotland.

“It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”

Volunteer group the Briggers, named after the bridge workers and formed to identify the 73 men and boys who died during the structure’s construction, will also feature across the weekend.

Tickets and further information are available on the Barnardo’s website here.