It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has brought joy to those seeking adventure and has raised nearly half-a-million pounds for Scotland’s leading children’s charity. And now, a precious few are once again able to stand atop the iconic Forth Bridge to help make childhoods across Scotland happier, healthier, and more hopeful.
Barnardo’s Scotland’s ‘Your View at the Forth Bridge’ event, run in conjunction with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty allows members of the public one of the most sought after and unique experiences in Scotland – namely the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.
One couple who have already enjoyed the Your View experience are Laura, 36, and Connor Robertson, 33, from Armadale, in West Lothian. The couple got engaged atop the Forth Bridge two years ago when Connor got down on one knee – much to Laura’s shock!
Laura said: “The proposal was a complete surprise! Connor didn’t even tell me that we were doing the bridge viewing until we arrived in the car park, so the whole day was a pleasant surprise from start to finish. Your View was one of the best things we’ve done together – getting to be up on top of the bridge and taking in some of the most amazing sights.
“I’d recommend it to anyone. The volunteers were amazing, from getting history about the bridge being built, to the friendly and helpful staff joining you as you make your way up in the hoist. It was a day we will never forget. Barnardo’s is an incredible charity and we’re over the moon that all of the money from tickets goes straight towards the great work that they do in Scotland.”
The couple got married in South Queensferry on Saturday, 7 March this year… with a familiar sight in the background of some of their wedding photographs. Laura adds: “We felt it was only right to get married in front of the Forth Bridge where we got engaged, so it really was a full-circle moment getting to tie the knot with our special place on view! And, to top it off, our little boy Noah, who is now three, was at the wedding too, and he had an absolute ball!”
Your View 2026 will take place from Friday, 18 September to Sunday, 20 September, with tickets going on sale at 10am today (Thursday, 18 June). To date, more than 7,000 visitors have experienced the event and there have been around a dozen marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform. Best of all, though, the event has raised more than £450,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland. To find out more, or to book tickets for the event, please visit: www.eventbrite.com/cc/your-view-at-the-forth-bridge-2026-4846806.
Michele Janes, the Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “As I step into my new role in Scotland, I’m struck by how the Your View event captures the very best of what Scotland offers: breathtaking beauty, a sense of possibility and experiences that stay with you long after you've come back down to earth. The view from the top of the Forth Bridge is a reminder of what can be achieved when ambition, engineering brilliance and community spirit come together.
“It's a unique opportunity for people to see Scotland from a new perspective, connecting them to the scale of the possible, while supporting the potential of children and families across the country.”
Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s Director of Engineering and Asset Management, added: added: “The Forth Bridge is one of Scotland’s most cherished and recognisable landmarks, and we’re proud to once again support an event that allows people to experience it in such a unique way. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that this special opportunity not only gives visitors a remarkable perspective of the bridge, but also helps raise vital funds for Barnardo’s Scotland and the important work they do with children and families. We’d also like to offer our congratulations to Laura and Connor. We’re delighted that the Forth Bridge continues to play such a meaningful role in their story.”
Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent for Balfour Beatty, said: “At Balfour Beatty, we are committed to giving back to the communities we serve. The Your View event is one example of how we do just that, raising valuable funds to support children and families in Scotland. It has been an honour to work alongside Barnardo’s Scotland once again, to offer members of the public this memorable experience on one of the most iconic, unique and admired structures in the world – the Forth Bridge.”
Also featuring over the weekend will be the famous ‘Briggers’. The Briggers are a Forth Bridge research and presentation group of volunteers based in South Queensferry. Named after the bridge workers, the group was formed to identify the names of the 73 men and boys who died constructing the Forth Bridge, they provide details on the history of the bridge and the people involved in its construction. For more information on this year’s Your View event, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/events/your-view-forth-bridge.
At Barnardo’s, our purpose is clear: Changing childhoods and changing lives, so that children, young people, and families are safe, happy, healthy, and hopeful. Last year, we worked with thousands of children across Scotland through more than 150 services and partnerships.
Across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, we provided essential support to 373,200 children, young people, parents and carers through more than 800 services and partnerships across the UK. This included 150-plus services in Scotland.
For more than 150 years, we’ve been here for the children and young people who need us most – bringing love, care and hope into their lives and giving them a place where they feel they belong. To donate, volunteer or fundraise, please visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money.