Massive tourism boost for Ferry?

The move follows reports the World Heritage Committee has announced it may declare the Forth Bridge as a World Heritage Site (WHS).

The decision will be made next month.

The status would put the bridge, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, alongside landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, The Great Wall of China and The Acropolis.

Its inclusion is expected to bring a new wave of tourism to the area with the rail bridge custodians Network Rail already planning the creation of a visitor centre and bridge walks.

Scotland’s culture secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “A great deal of work has been carried out by officials and local community representatives to get to this point.

‘‘To have the bridge inscribed as a World Heritage Site would be a tremendous accolade for the bridge itself, for the local communities and for Scotland.’’

Malcolm Brown, chairman of Queensfery Ambition (QA), which promotes business in the town, said: “Without doubt, if the Forth Bridge is granted WHS 
status it will be one of the greatest moments in the history of the town.

‘‘QA, which has played an active role in highlighting why the Forth Bridge should become a WHS, can see only positives for the town and Scotland as a whole.

“It will also be fitting recognition for those who built the bridge and for those who lost their lives in creating one of the world’s true iconic structures.

“If World Heritage status is given, all parts of the community need to work together to help ensure that we maximise at every level, this potential defining moment in our history.”