The management plan for the Forth Bridge, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site since July 2015, is currently undergoing an update, and the public is being actively encouraged to contribute their insights.

This revision, marking the plan's tenth anniversary, will guide the future management needs of the iconic railway bridge for the next decade.

UNESCO requires all World Heritage Sites to maintain a management plan to ensure coordination among associated organisations, groups, and individuals, and to maximise benefits while minimising any potential negative impacts of its World Heritage status.

A multi-partner working group has commenced the task of updating the existing plan. Membership includes representatives from Network Rail, Fife Council, City of Edinburgh Council, Historic Environment Scotland, VisitScotland, and Transport Scotland. The process is being overseen by the wider Forth Bridges Forum and Forth Bridge World Heritage Management Group.


Members of the public are initially invited to provide their input into the content for the new management plan through an online questionnaire. A further consultation on the draft management plan will be held later this year once it is ready. The questionnaire is open to anyone with an interest in the bridge and the local area, regardless of their place of residence.

Councillor Altany Craik, Fife Council's spokesperson for finance, economy and strategic planning, highlighted the bridge's significance: "The Forth Bridge is a much-loved Scottish landmark, internationally recognisable as an impressive feat of engineering from the Victorian age. Over 135 years after it opened, an average of 220 trains per day still cross the bridge with passengers or freight. The management plan will draw together updates on policies and issues that are being seen to affect the protection of the World Heritage Site."

Councillor Joan Griffiths, Convener of the Planning Committee at the City of Edinburgh Council, reinforced the call for participation: "The Forth Bridge has an impact on travel for residents and businesses far and wide, and anyone with an interest in the bridge or World Heritage is encouraged to respond to the questionnaire which is being centrally coordinated by Fife Council on behalf of all the partners on the Working Group."

The initial online questionnaire for public input is available until 30 June, 2025.