Her Majesty The Queen was accompanied by Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon for the official opening of the Queensferry Crossing yesterday. The event marked the culmination of six years work to build the structure, involving more than 15,000 people, at a cost of £1.35 billion – £245 million under the original budget.
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony on the south side of the bridge, undertaken by Her Majesty, The Queen was accompanied by His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to an event on the north side where she unveiled a plaque officially declaring the Queensferry Crossing open.
This was followed a traditional folk performance by singer Karine Polwart, and the recital of a specially commissioned poem by Scotland’s Makar, Jackie Kay.
Showcasing a wide range of Scottish talent, there were also performances by, among others, KT Tunstall and King Creosote. The Red Arrows performed two flypasts above the bridge – going from south to north and also east to west across all three bridges while a flotilla comprising around ninety craft sailed below.
Officially opening the Queensferry Crossing, HM The Queen said: “In declaring open the south side of the Queensferry Crossing and then travelling along the bridge, I was reminded that today’s ceremony takes place exactly 53 years since that memorable day when I opened its predecessor, the Forth Road Bridge, which has served Scotland so well during more than half a century.
“The three magnificent structures we see here – spanning three centuries – are all feats of modern engineering and a tribute to the talents, vision and remarkable skills of those who designed and built them.
“The Queensferry Crossing joins its iconic and historic neighbours to create not only a breathtaking sight over the Firth of Forth, but to provide an important link that will improve the lives of everyone who lives in this community, and the surrounding areas.
“First Minister, The Duke of Edinburgh and I are delighted to be able to join you, and the people of Scotland, to celebrate this extraordinary achievement.”
Speaking at the event, the First Minister said:“This crossing is the tallest bridge in the UK. It has required 150,000 tonnes of concrete, 23,000 miles of steel cabling and 19 million hours of labour. But, far more important than those statistics are the benefits this bridge will bring. It will improve journey times, and bring benefits to families and businesses – not just in Fife and the Lothians, but across Scotland.
“It is already attracting global attention. Together, the three Forth bridges will bring people from around the world to admire their ingenuity and their beauty.
“It is an honour to have Her Majesty The Queen opening the new bridge for Scotland’s communities, just as she she opened the Forth Road Bridge, linking Fife and the Lothians.”
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