Tag: Balfour Beatty

Time capsule interred at North Bridge

‘I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark’

A time capsule has been interred at North Bridge to mark the project’s work for future generations.

Some of the items for the capsule included:

  • A letter from the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and Council Leader Jane Meagher to the future citizens of Edinburgh.
  • A paint brush used by the Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson to hand finish the cast iron façade.
  • A Balfour Beatty high visibility vest.
  • A Glengarry Cap from the Kings Own Scottish Borderers regiment.
  • The school prayer of St Augustine’s High School etched in glass.
  • A photograph of the Historic Environment Scotland grants team on a site visit.
  • Three books created as part of the North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme.

Objects were contributed by a number of partner organisations and invited guests.  

The Category A listed structure is a key transport link between the north and south of the city. The original North Bridge began construction in 1763 and was then replaced between 1894 and 1897 by the structure which we see today.

According to historical records, at some point between 1894 and 1897 a time capsule was interned inside the structure.

Whilst this capsule is inaccessible, local school pupils alongside the Super Power Agency, were inspired to write two books of fiction about the bridge and ultimately the idea for a new time capsule.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “North Bridge has been a familiar feature of Edinburgh’s cityscape for well over two centuries. This corridor continues to form a vital part of our city’s modern transport network, whilst also serving as a visual reminder of our city’s rich history and building tradition. 

“As we gather today to inter our own pieces of history, it’s comforting to think that many years from now future generations will look back at the vital work we’ve been undertaking, just as we have appreciated the work of those before us.

“The complexity and skill of this work cannot be understated, with some areas being repaired and renovated which hadn’t seen the light of day in over one hundred years. I’m incredibly grateful for the efforts of everyone involved with the project.

“We owe it to Edinburgh’s future residents and visitors to make sure that we complete this project to the highest standards. With the bridge on the cusp of being fully refurbished to its former glory, this is a moment that we can all look forward to together with pride and optimism.”

Project Director for Balfour Beatty, Rory McFadden said: “As we welcome guests to mark the placing of this time capsule and celebrate the restoration of Edinburgh’s North Bridge, I’d like to reflect on the incredible journey undertaken by those involved. It hasn’t been easy.

“When discussions began in 2017, none of us could have anticipated the challenges ahead—especially the bridge’s condition, which was far worse than expected.

“Yet, through determination, innovation, and teamwork, we’ve delivered something truly special.

“We can take immense pride in restoring this historic structure, ensuring its preservation for generations. The past Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) President’s comparison to dentistry on a massive scale couldn’t be more fitting, describing the meticulous care and precision required to return the bridge to its former glory.

“Throughout this journey, we engaged with thousands of individuals, many of whom left in awe and became allies of the project. Over 3,000 people contributed on-site, learning new techniques as we delivered the works while respecting our neighbours and keeping this vital north-south link open. Their dedication was instrumental in our success.

“As the scaffolding comes down and the bridge slowly reveals itself, it will stand tall – a testament to our collective efforts. The people of Edinburgh and its visitors will witness the bridge in all its grandeur.

“I think about the future, about those who will open this time capsule years from now. Will they be as impressed by our restoration as we are by its original construction? I believe they will – and I hope they’ll appreciate the labour of love that went into preserving this iconic landmark.”

Major works are expected to be completed in Spring 2026 with all remaining works to be completed in Summer 2026.

The time capsule interment ceremony was attended by representatives from the City of Edinburgh Council, Balfour Beatty, Atkins Realis, NBR Legacy Projects: Moving Image Commission (Rachel Mclean & Jonathan Webb), the Super Power Agency, Volker Laser, SCAPE Scotland, Currie & Brown, Invisible Cities, Historic Environment Scotland, Capital City Partnership, The King’s Own Scottish Borderers Association, and pupils from St Augustine’s High School, St Thomas of Aquin’s High School, Jeda Pearl Lewis (Artist/Author), Estelle Meyer (Cobble Tales).

A full list of the items contributed to the time capsule is below with the contributor in brackets at the end:

  • A signed copy of Our Storied Town by Donald Smith (Author), Cat Outram (Illustrator) and the Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge. (Lord Provost)
  • A letter to the future generations of Edinburgh from the Lord Provost and Council Leader Jane Meagher. (Lord Provost and Council Leader)
  • An Edinburgh 900 programme. (Lord Provost)
  • An invitation to the Edinburgh 900 Book Launch which took place earlier this year for Edinburgh: A New History by Alastair Moffat & Edinburgh: The Autobiography by Alan Taylor. (Lord Provost)
  • Paint brush used to hand finish the cast iron façade (Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson)
  • Copy of a Green Pencil Award and brochure of poems (Central Library)
  • A signed Hibernian FC strip (Central Library/Hibernian FC)
  • Leaflets from the Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association (Central Library, Edinburgh Playhouse and Cockburn Association)
  • Glass etching of the St Augustine’s High School prayer and school pennant. (St Augustine’s High School)
  • A package including a Glengarry Cap, a concise version of the regiment’s history and their tartan. (The King’s Own Scottish Borderer’s Association)
  • A high visibility vest, water bottle, bolts and rivets from the bridge and construction drawings (Balfour Beatty)
  • A Lego man and a fifty pence piece (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
  • A letter from a pupil named Archie to the future of Edinburgh (St Thomas of Aquin’s High School)
  • A photograph of the grants team on a site visit to the bridge with a note. (Historic Environment Scotland)
  • A copy of North Bridge Where We Travelled – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Jeda Pearl Lewis)
  • A copy of Stories From The Stones and What’s That About North Bridge – North Bridge Refurbishment Project Legacy Arts Programme (Super Power Agency)
  • A commemorative coin (Anonymous)

Further information on the North Bridge refurbishment project is available on the Council’s website.

North Bridge to reopen this month

North Bridge will reopen to two-way traffic this month after the completion of essential work on its concrete deck, last replaced in the 1930s.

The bridge has been closed to northbound traffic since November 2021 to allow for specialist work, involving the demolition and replacement of a large section of the deck, waterproofing and resurfacing, as part of the major North Bridge Refurbishment Project.

Two-way running will return from 21 April, though the footpath on the west side of the bridge will remain closed for the time being.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “The reopening of North Bridge to two-way traffic will be great news to many and I’d like to thank all those who live in and travel through the area for their patience while this essential work was carried out. In particular, I would like to thank the local business community and bus passengers for their patience.

“So much of what happens in the North Bridge Refurbishment Project goes unseen, but it’s a huge, complex scheme involving intricate, specialist skills and significant repairs to decades-old infrastructure.

“The partial closure of the bridge to traffic has allowed the team to carry out crucial work to restore and reinforce the deck for future generations. I look forward to seeing the project unfold further as the bridge’s façade is revived to its former glory.

“North Bridge was constructed by Sir William Arrol after he completed both the Forth Bridge and Tower Bridge, and this work should ensure it maintains the same iconic status.”

Rory McFadden, Balfour Beatty Project Director, said: “The reopening of the North Bridge to traffic marks a momentous milestone, culminating months of hard work and tenacity from our dedicated team.

“I would like to thank the local community in Edinburgh for their co-operation and patience during these essential works, which once complete, will ensure that this iconic structure remains for generations to come.”

In November 2021, investigations revealed the poor condition of concrete within the central part of the deck. Over the last 15 months contractors have replaced the deck’s reinforced concrete and installed a waterproofing system to protect the concrete and stop surface water passing into the structural steelwork below.

Elsewhere on the bridge, complex restoration work continues, including structural steelwork repairs, which are largely complete. More recent phases have seen 80,000 new bolts installed and strengthening and repairs to almost 650 parts of the steelwork.

Contractors have also started grit blasting and painting the bridge’s iconic façade, an 18-month process which signals the start of finishing works for the bridge. As well as removing existing coatings and surface corrosion through grit blasting, specialists have begun the intricate task of repainting the Victorian façade for the first time since 1990, using a combination of spray paint and hand painting with brushes.

Some work is required to facilitate the return to two-way traffic, which will be undertaken overnight to minimise disruption. As a result, North Bridge will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 6am from 12 to 20 April.

Lothian Buses will reintroduce northbound services shortly after the reopening of North Bridge. For the most up to date travel information visit the Lothian Buses website.

Find out more about the North Bridge project.

Love is in the air during Barnardo’s charity fundraising event

A wedding proposal, a 90th birthday and a Golden wedding anniversary were just some of the happy occasions being celebrated at the top of the Forth Bridge at weekend, during an exclusive charity fundraising experience. 

The sell-out ‘Your View’ event, which gave visitors the chance to stand atop the iconic Forth Bridge and enjoy uninterrupted views of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline, took place between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 September, raising funds for Barnardo’s Scotland. 

Around 750 visitors were welcomed to the experience throughout the weekend, with more than 40 volunteers from Network Rail, Balfour Beatty, The Briggers and Barnardo’s Scotland working to run the event behind the scenes. 

Members of the public had the history of the bridge brought to life by The Briggers heritage group, before ascending over 360ft to the top of the Forth Bridge platform on the north cantilever to take in the panoramic views. 

One couple who certainly enjoyed the view, were Meghan Crawford, 38, and her partner Paul Ward, 44, from West Lothian.

Meghan had treated Paul to tickets for the event on the Sunday evening, but Paul surprised her by proposing at the top! 

Meghan said: “We had our first date in south Queensferry, and I thought the Forth Bridge visit would be a nice trip to do together. When we got to the top, Paul handed his phone to a volunteer and asked them to take some photos of us admiring the view, and when I turned around, he was on one knee!

“There was a professional photographer who did some great photos for us and as we came back down and out of the lift, the volunteers all did a guard of honour and were clapping and cheering. It was absolutely lovely, and we can’t thank all the people from Barnardo’s, Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and the rest of the crew enough, as they made everything so special for us.” 

To continue the celebrations that evening, Paul had the champagne waiting on ice and had booked a special dinner and stay at a hotel in south Queensferry, where their room had, of course, a perfect view of the bridge.  

This is the fourth year that Network Rail, Balfour Beatty, The Briggers and Barnardo’s Scotland have joined forces to run the Your View event, and Meghan and Paul’s wedding proposal is the fourth to take place during this time. 

Final totals raised from the Your View event are still being calculated, but the weekend’s activities are believed to have raised in excess of £50k for Barnardo’s Scotland, with three previous events run since 2017 already raising more than £223,000 to support the charity’s work.     

Martin Crewe, Director for Barnardo’s Scotland said: “We simply could not be more grateful to Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and The Briggers for all their support in making this event happen, and for the many volunteers from these organisations, Barnardo’s and others, working tirelessly behind the scenes all weekend to keep everything running. 

“They helped to create such a memorable experience for members of the public, including for Meghan and Paul, and we wish this couple every happiness for the future. 

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone that purchased tickets to come and take part in this event – we have received some great feedback and hope that a fantastic time was had by all.

“The valuable funds raised will go towards Barnardo’s hardship fund, which will be providing direct support to struggling families across Scotland this winter to help with food and energy bills.” 

Stewart Lothian, Network Rail’s structures asset manager for Scotland, said: “As custodians of this iconic structure, we were delighted once again to work with Barnardo’s and Balfour Beatty to open up the Forth Bridge to the public and raise such a fantastic sum for the charity, supporting the charity’s drive to raise funds for vulnerable children, young people and families across the local communities.

“I’d like to thank all those colleagues from Network Rail and Balfour Beatty who volunteered their time to make the event happen.”    

Colin Hardie, Regional Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty’s Regional Scotland business, said: “We are delighted to have worked with Network Rail on this year’s volunteering event at Forth Bridge, which saw a staggering 750 people reach the peak of the impressive structure across the weekend, raising important funds for Barnardo’s.

“I’d like to send my thanks to Barnardo’s, Network Rail and all those involved for making the event such a success.” 

The Forth Rail Bridge took eight years to build and was finished in 1890. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. 

A video of a previous Your View event can be found at:

https://www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge