• Over 12,000 applications for 288 places

A massive 12,126 applications for places were received in a public ballot for tours of the Forth Road Bridge on Doors Open Day 2024.

Transport Scotland’s operating company BEAR Scotland held the ballot for places on its hugely popular minibus tours of the bridge deck and anchorage, set to take place for the third year in succession on Saturday 28 September.

The ballot closed on 1 August and 288 successful applicants have now been notified and are being allocated places.

Guided minibus tours will depart every 15 minutes on 28 September. Tours will last one hour, stopping at points of interest along the deck before visiting one of the anchorage chambers on the north side of the bridge, where the main cables are anchored into the rock. Commentary will be provided by experienced members of staff from BEAR Scotland.

There is no charge for the tours, however donations to charity are welcomed. All money raised will go to BEAR Scotland’s national charity partner Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Forth Bridges exhibition at Transport Scotland’s Contact and Education Centre will also be open to the public from 9am until 5pm on 28 September, featuring special exhibits and educational activities. Advance booking is not necessary for the exhibition.

Everyone who attends either a bridge tour or the exhibition will have the chance to enter a charity prize draw for a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to the top of the Queensferry Crossing’s main towers.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s Operating Company Representative for South East Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to welcome visitors back to the Forth Road Bridge on Doors Open Day for the third year running, and to be raising money for a great cause in Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Our guided minibus tours give the public a rare chance to visit parts of the bridge normally hidden from view, and to hear from experienced members of staff.

“In response to feedback, we’ve allocated places this year via a random ballot to give everyone an equal chance.

“The response has been overwhelming, with over 12,000 applications for 288 places. We’re looking forward to welcoming the lucky winners on 28 September and sharing our enthusiasm for this iconic structure.”