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Friday 14 Mar 2014

Survey results give Forth Bridge Experience a lift

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail has released early analysis of a detailed market research study undertaken to support the development of a visitor’s experience at the Forth Bridge.

With almost 2,400 online questionnaires completed in just ten days, the study is the most in depth consumer research carried out into a potential visitor attraction at the Forth Bridge.

The results are seen as extremely encouraging for the team developing the proposals, with 94% or respondents declaring that they were interested in an attraction at the Forth Bridge which would allow them to visit the top of the structure.

Although 68% or respondents were based in Scotland, there was a strong interest from other parts of Britain and Ireland, who accounted for almost a quarter of people taking time to complete the survey. Almost 200 respondents were from overseas, with 38 countries represented in the results.

In addition to visiting the top of the bridge, 95% or respondents were enthusiastic about visitor centre proposals in North Queensferry.

David Dickson, Route Managing Director (Acting) for Network Rail Scotland said:

“The survey results will be used to further inform the study group which has been established to take forward proposals at the Forth Bridge. While these results are further affirmation that there is public interest in these proposals, there is still a lot of work to do before we can confirm our preferred option.

“We know that traffic, travel and parking are the biggest potential issues for us to manage and we’re currently undertaking further research to establish the best possible solution for this particular challenge.

“We are also continuing to work with our partners at the Forth Bridge Forum to ensure that these plans fit with broader aspirations for the three bridges area.”

Other results show:

• 64% of respondents were male, 36% female
• USA generated the most response from outside GB – 26% of overseas respondents
• The majority of those interested in a bridge walk want to do it during the day (94%), however 65% were also interested in Twilight walks and 53% dawn walks