Media centre

Monday 21 Feb 2005

RED LIGHTS ON FORTH BRIDGE STOP PEOPLE IN THEIR TRACKS

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Red lights on the Forth Bridge stopped people in their tracks tonight (21 February) when Lenny Henry switched the floodlights back on to reveal it bathed in a red glow.  The comedy star and long-time supporter of Red Nose Day unveiled the mystery makeover at South Queensferry, as part of Comic Relief’s Scottish fundraising campaign. Network Rail and Comic Relief joined forces for this special one-off event and the lights were switched off on 13 February to begin the task of attaching red film to around 500 lights situated at the base of each cantilever. Ron McAulay, Route Director Scotland Network Rail, said:  “The Forth Bridge is a national treasure, it’s an integral part of our heritage and a wonderful feat of engineering.  The bridge is instantly recognised up and down the country and worldwide. We wholeheartedly supported Comic Relief’s request as we felt it would give their fundraising campaign in Scotland a real boost. “It has involved a lot of work for our staff and contractors but they tackled the job with real enthusiasm and gave up their spare time to help make the event a success.  I’m extremely proud of all their efforts.” Karl Reynolds, Nations and Regions Manager for Comic Relief said:  “We are absolutely delighted that Network Rail has joined so enthusiastically into our Scottish fundraising campaign.  Comic Relief aims to change and transform people’s lives for the better and  giving the Forth Bridge a makeover is a great way to get this important message across.” The red lights will remain switched on until Red Nose Day on 11 March 2005.