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Thursday 16 Jun 2022

Forth Bridge picnic area ‘blooming lovely’

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail and Balfour Beatty teamed up with North Queensferry Primary School to plant flowers and a tree by the Forth Bridge.

The planting took place at the picnic area at the bottom of the bridge’s north cantilever, on Battery Road, ahead of its official re-opening later this month.

Children from P3-5 joined Network Rail and Balfour Beatty’s Forth Bridge refurbishment team, to bring some colour to the picnic area as they transformed planters into a colourful display for the community to enjoy. 

A small tree was also planted by the children as a long-term reminder of their support and involvement in the project.

And the British Transport Police attended to help deliver important rail safety messages to the children.

Jeremy Spence, programme manager for Network Rail, said: “It was a great morning, and it was lovely to see the kids taking such an interest in their local community. We’re delighted to be working with North Queensferry Primary School to improve the picnic area for the wider community, especially with the backdrop of this iconic piece of railway infrastructure. 

“We’re excited to have established this link with the school and look forward to continuing our engagement with them about staying safe by the railway and, of course, learning more about the Forth Bridge.”

Lee Waugh, Acting Head Teacher at North Queensferry Primary School, said: “The children had a wonderful morning developing their gardening skills and learning about how to stay safe near the railway.  I know the children will take great pride in what they have achieved today, especially as they watch the tree they planted grow.”