Forth Bridges Festival Flotilla on the Forth www.forthbridgesfestival.com

Flotilla Instructions

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Welcome to the Flotilla on the Forth

To celebrate the 50th Birthday of the Forth Road Bridge a very special day of celebrations will see the Firth of Forth decorated with vessels of all shapes and sizes in one of the signature events in the 2014 Festival. A

multitude of crafts will travel along the stretch of water in front of North and South Queensferry. Royal Navy Vessels, Northern Lighthouse Board Support Vessels, pleasure boats, private yachts, ferries, motor-boats and

skiffs – it is sure to be a magnificent and emotive spectacle.

The Flotilla is managed by Forth Estuary Transport Authority and event managed on their behalf by Indigo Project Solutions Ltd. The Flotilla has been developed in partnership with Forth Ports, FCBC, Port Edgar Holdings,

Queensferry Ambition, HM Coastguard, RNLI, the Royal Navy and EventScotland.

These joining instructions are important and seek to provide you with the information necessary to join and enjoy the Flotilla. Please ensure that you read all the instructions carefully to ensure that the Flotilla on the Forth is

successful and safe for both participants and spectators.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Schedule Information

TIDES

Sunday 7th September Port Edgar (Rosyth) (BST) LW0755 0.9M HW1358 5.7M

ALLOCATED MARINE COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL

Flotilla Control: Marine VHF –CHANNEL 57

The Flotilla Passage Plan:

Please check your column allocation. This will have been provided in your email with your joining instructions.

Column 1 and 2: Muster Point between Long Craig Pier and Small craft moorings east of Rail Bridge. Column 1

boats to the East side of area and Column 2 to the West side of area.

Proceed in Column Order (Column 1 will lead off as slightly further to go) from Start Point 55o59.8’N, 3o 22.6’W

(Use FETA Boat as visual marker) to Southern Tower of Road Bridge (1nm) to due South of Dhu Craig Navigational

Buoy by FCBC Boat turn marker (1.8nm) to

Forth Road Bridge (1.7nm) to Dispersal Point (use FETA boat as visual marker) 56o00.1’N 3o23.7’W (0.4nm)

Column 3: Muster Point Port Edgar Floating Breakwater

Proceed in Column order from Start Point (Use P2000 as visual marker) 55o59.9N 3o24.6’W to Due South of Dhu

Craig Navigational Buoy by FCBC Boat turn marker (1.5nm) to Forth Road Bridge (1.7nm) to Dispersal Point (use

FETA boat as visual marker) 56o00.1’N 3o23.7’W (0.4nm)

The Afloat Flotilla Manager will coordinate the departures of Columns 1 and 2 with lead boats followed in close

order by their column yachts and shepherded at rear by a Royal Navy P2000. Each column leader on reaching

turning point will guide his/her column towards their designated channel for passing under the bridge and on

reaching dispersal point wheel in turn south (or individual boats North as previously agreed with Boat Flotilla

Manager) to return to Port Edgar or other destination while remaining outside commercial traffic channel. Each

columns route and timings are as marked on the chart(s) below.

During the Flotilla each column of boats will have a lead boat to set the speed and at least one RIB available to

provide support in case of difficulty. Other support boats will provide mechanical and medical assistance. HM

Coastguard, The Royal Navy, Forth Ports as well as private contractors will also be present on the day to observe

and maintain security and safety of all participants.

Support boats may issue specific instructions and we ask everyone to listen carefully and to comply immediately

with all instructions. Each participating rowing club will be required to supply and man an accompanying RIB to

provide comms link to the Flotilla management and safety teams.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Map of Journey

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Safety Boats

The designated “safety boats” are as follows:

FCBC – Motor Launch – Wind Speed

Calypso – Safety Boat 1, Safety Boat 2 and Calypso Afloat Manager Boat.

In addition the 2 Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats will be positioned at the rear of the Flotilla to assist any stragglers

and/or safety boats if requested by the Flotilla Afloat Manager.

Emergency Procedures and Communication Plan

EMERGENCY PROCEEDURES

Reportable Incident

In the event of an incident that involves personal injury or severe illness, or where the boat is in danger and needs

assistance, crews should contact in the first instance their Column Leader on their allocated Channel (VHF 11, 22

or 33 as appropriate). The column leader will cascade to the Flotilla Afloat Manager (Call Sign- Afloat Leader on

VHF Channel 57) who will then initiate the appropriate action. All such incidents will be logged and cascaded to

the Incident Management Tree (see Table 1) for information or action as required. It is very important that all

participants keep “radio silence” once they have completed their initial “comms check” with their Column leader

unless they have an incident to report.

Major Incident

In the case of a major incident that may affect the safety of the Flotilla (such as a unexpected storm squall

approaching) then the Boat Flotilla Manager will instruct all vessels to “Abort” the event requesting them to

proceed safely to a place of shelter or home port depending on type and warning of the major incident received.

Vessels will be asked to switch initially to Channel 57 and if then required to Channel 16 with control transferred

from the Flotilla Afloat Manager to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). In the event of a serious incident within

the Flotilla, vessels will be asked to switch to CH57 and monitor for further instructions.

Examples of Reportable and Major incidents and how they would cascade are at Table 2 below.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Table 1- Incident Management Tree

Table 2 – Examples of Incident Management

Type of Incident

Action Taken Lead Officer Comms Instruction

Crew Member suffers minor cut or mishap

Skipper reports incident to Column Leader on allocated Column Channel who informs Flotilla Afloat Manager

(FAM) on Channel 57

Flotilla Afloat Manager

(FAM) N/A

Participating Vessel loses

power

Skipper reports incident to Column Leader who immediately informs other column vessels of hazard and

reports incident to FAM on Channel 57. FAM assesses size of vessel and instructs an appropriate safety vessel to take

stricken vessel in tow to a safe haven. Stricken vessel requested to switch to Ch57. FAM informs Flotilla Incident

Manager (FIM) who liaises with Forth Ports and MCA

FAM

Initially Ch57 for stricken vessel only. FAM decide on

Flotilla channel change depending on risk to other

vessels

Collision between vessels

As above but FAM will instruct all vessels in column to switch to Channel 57 and consider requesting nominated vessels to standby to assist his safety boats depending on immediate damage assessment (E.g. vessel sinking) and

number of vessels involved FAM will request FIM to seek MCA assistance

Initially FAM potentially

MCA

Initially Column vessels switch to Channel 57, FAM

to decide if all Flotilla to switch to CH57 and on MCA transfer all flotilla to switch

to Ch16

Major squall approaching

from Grangemouth

FIM informs FAM who aborts Event, All vessels seek appropriate shelter and return to home port when able

FIM

FAM instructs Column leaders to request all

participants switch to CH 57 and instructions to Abort

issued with vessels to remain on CH57 until incident

closed.

EMERGENCY LANDING

Vessels should land casualties at RNLI station on Hawes Pier, unless otherwise directed. The location provides the

shortest route to the Casualty Unit at St John’s Hospital and normally allows easy access for vehicles.

Flotilla Incident Manager

Rob Thomson

Shore Support Manager

(at Forth Ports)

Mark Wardle

Flotilla Afloat Manager

Andy McGrenary

Column Leader 1

Pharos

Column Leader 2

Reaper

Column Leader 3

HMS Archer

FCBC Safety Boat

Calypso Safety Boat 1

Calypso Safety Boat 2

Calypso Afloat Manager Boat

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

FIRST AID FACILITIES

Rescue launches will be at strategic positions on the river and will accompany the three flotilla columns during the

Flotilla.

In the event of an immersion of any crew the “warm room” facility will be the changing room showers located at

Port Edgar Sailing Centre.

First Aid Facilities are located at Port Edgar Sailing Centre, RNLI Station at Hawes Pier. Incidents ashore if serious

should use the normal National 999 service.

The nearest Hospital Accident & Emergency Unit is at St John’s Hospital, Livingston.

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

All boats should carry a marine band VHF transceiver.

Marine band VHF channels to be used are listed in Table 3.

Table 3

VHF11 Column1 Vessel Management

VHF22 Column2 Vessel Management

VHF33 Column 3 Vessel Management

VHF57 Incident Management/Shore

Management Link

Flotilla Incident

VHF 10 Emergency Channel Forth Ports/MCA

Each safety boat will be on VHF Channel 57 throughout. Emergency procedures and responses will be co-

ordinated by the Flotilla Incident Officer (Flotilla Afloat Manager) and his On Water and on Shore marshals. All

points of the course are under supervision of the on water Flotilla Afloat Manager or his safety boats who can

summon assistance via radio if required.

Column leaders and other Incident Managers will communicate by mobile radio. There will also be radio links to

the safety boats, MCA and Port Authority.

In the event of an accident on the water the nearest on water official will alert all other officials by saying “Flotilla

Emergency, Safety Launch required at ‘location…’”. All other communications must then cease until the problem

has been sorted and the nearest ‘on water’ official has clearly indicated that the incident is clear. The Flotilla

Incident Manager will assume control of the incident and will supervise recovery.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

EVENT MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

A radio communications system will be available on the day with 10 handsets available. These will be distributed

amongst Indigo Project Solutions’ Event Management staff with the inclusion of handsets for the agreed security

company, GTS Solutions and Gary Haro, Indigo’s Health & Safety Consultant. Indigo’s Event Management staff

will be situated within the vicinity of Hawes Pier on the day of the event.

There will be an on water control room at Forth Ports and this will be the base for Mark Wardle (representing the

Flotilla) using the Forth Ports fitted “Sailors” Radio to monitor CH57 his “callsign” is FPSO.

(Note: Mobile phones will be allocated as emergency communications back up between Forth Ports Control

Centre and the Flotilla Management Team).

CREW LIMITATIONS AND CREW LIST

Before the flotilla commences all boat skippers must have completed the following:

a. A crew list of all the people expected to participate together with a Next of Kin contact list that shall, so

far as possible, be up to date and complete at the start of the flotilla. The latter will be held by the

nominated shore contact.

b. The name and address and contact telephone number of a person not sailing on the day who has been

furnished with NOK details and can act as liaison should an incident occur on the water.

c. Final destination point

Mustering Point

The mustering areas are as shown on chart but essentially each boat skipper will know his/her column number

and will be called forward as a column group on his/her appropriate VHF channel to join and follow lead boat. At

this point each boat in columns 1 and 2 will be under power with minimum sail (so as not to affect

manoeuvrability) and they will be asked to follow on as closely as practical. In column 3, Skiffs and rowers will be

asked to follow the lead boat at best speed (Est 3kts) with small yachts/motor boats following.

Shipping Channel and Closure

The river will be closed between Dhu Craig Buoy and Number 19 Buoy to all vessels not registered as participants

of the Flotilla from 1300 until 1430 on Sunday 7 September.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Speed of Flotilla

Column 1 and 2 are being asked to sail at 4 kts with column 3 at 3 kts on reaching the turn all boats will be asked

to make best speed up to 5 kts. The aim is to have column 3 around the turn first.

Column 3 will initially sail for mid channel then turn to aim for turning point to ensure that the faster columns

have sea room to their south as they overtake Column 3 approaching the turning point.

Timetable

Start and Finish

Competitors will assemble in their designated column starting areas no later than 15 minutes prior to their

designated start time. On completion of the sail past participants will disperse to the north or south of the

commercial traffic channel as determined by their sail plan and final destination and as overseen by Calypso

Marine.

Crews proceeding to the Start will keep to the East side of their designated column start line and await VHF

instruction by their respective column leader.

Crews having completed sail past and who intend to sail back to attend the event BBQ must proceed to Port

Edgar Sailing Centre, complying with instructions of the Flotilla Afloat Manager.

Timings of Flotilla on the Forth

All boats must arrive at disbursement points by 1230

Flotilla Column 3 - 1245hrs - Column 3 departs from Port Edgar Floating Breakwater

Forth Deep Water Channel closes 1300hrs - 1430hrs

Flotilla Column 1 - 1245hrs - Depart Long Craig Pier

Flotilla Column 2 – 1245hrs - Depart Long Craig Pier

Flotilla Column 3 – 1320hrs – Rounds FCBC Launch at turning point south of Dhu Craig Light

Flotilla Column 1 & 2 - 1330hrs – Pass and then Round turning point south of Dhu Craig Light

Flotilla all 3 Columns – 1350 –pass Beamer Rock exclusion Zone

Flotilla all 3 Columns -1351 – fan out to pass under the Forth Road Bridge in their designated channel

Flotilla all 3 Columns 1356 – Disperses to pre- agreed destinations North or South of the commercial channel

By 1600hrs all “booked in” boats return to Port Edgar for BBQ & Concert (1600hrs - 1900hrs)

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Weather Limits

Table 3 – Beaufort Scale

Class/Type of Vessel Max Sea State Allowable Max Wind Conditions Allowable

Rowing Boats 2-Smooth Wavelets –max wave ht 0.3m 4-Moderate Breeze 11-16kts

Sea going skiffs, small motor

boats and yachts <7m 3-Slight-Max wave ht- 1.5m

5 - Fresh Breeze 17-21kts or squalls

forecast(occasional gusting winds up to 30kts)

Yachts > 7m, 4- Moderate -Max wave Ht- 2.5m 6-Strong Breeze 22-27kts

All other Powered vessels 5-Rough- Max Wave Ht- 4.0m 7-Near gale 28-33kts

Note: Should the prevailing wind on the day be from the East then the “return” leg passage speed will be

adjusted depending on wind strength and promulgated to all prior to start at 1215.

Event Cancellation Process

EVENT GO/NOGO Decision Matrix:

3 DAY NOTICE - 72 hrs prior to event should the weather forecast predict Beaufort Wind Scale 8 (gale

force winds 34-40 kts) or sea state 6 (Very Rough Max wave ht 7.5m) or above for the period of the event

then the event will be cancelled and all entrant skippers will be e-mailed with this news. Additionally local

media will promulgate the news for potential spectators.

At 9am the morning of the event the weather conditions will be assessed and the GO/NO GO criteria in

Table 3 for each class of boat listed below will be activated. Skippers affected will be informed by email or

phone call. Information will also be posted on the festival website www.forthbridgesfestival.com and

social media channels

At 12.15pm of the event a final review of the immediate conditions will again be assessed against Table 3

and any participant or class considered at undue risk will be notified on their allocated VHF channels or by

telephone if applicable.

In the event of a serious incident during the event the Flotilla Afloat Manager will broadcast the following

message on Channel 57 Festival Flotilla “Abort, Abort, Abort because of Incident........ Each vessel is to

proceed to their port of origin or safe anchorage as appropriate taking care to give adequate sea room

to vessels in company”. The Flotilla Afloat Manager will then re broadcast message after 90 seconds and

again as appropriate until the Flotilla has dispersed safely out of harm’s way.

KEY INSTRUCTIONS

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

KEY INSTRUCTIONS

All participating vessels (or for rowing boats their designated escort) are to have fitted or carry working Marine VHF

Radios.

Ensure you have read all of the Flotilla instructions, and ensure you are knowledgeable of the Emergency and

Communications plan before participating

Ensure you have informed the Festival team by Wednesday 3rd September via email at info@forthbridgesfestival.com

or by phone on 0131 331 3511 with your crew list and Next of Kin information

Ensure you monitor the Forth Bridges Festival website, social media channels and your email (or telephone messages

if you do not have email) in the days leading up to the Flotilla for up to date information and any restrictions due to

inclement weather. Our first point of contact with you will be email, if you do not have email we will contact you by

telephone.

Feel free to decorate your boat but ensure that any decorations do not affect visibility. Any boat which is deemed to

be decorated in a way that may cause offence will be excluded from the Flotilla.

Feel free to document your involvement through our social media channels

When underway please ensure that you and your crew wear appropriate clothing and equipment for the conditions

for the sun, rain and wind.

Be aware that overcrowded boats may be refused entry to the Flotilla.

No inter vessel personnel transfers are permissible during the flotilla event unless authorised by the Flotilla Afloat

Manager as part of an emergency incident.

Please bring enough refreshments whilst afloat.

Ensure the skipper and at least one other capable crew member refrains from alcohol whilst underway.

Safety inspections will be carried out on boats randomly to ensure that boats are in a seaworthy state

All crew are advised to wear personal buoyancy aids

In the event of an incident that involves personal injury or severe illness, or where the boat is in danger and needs

assistance, crews should contact in the first instance the Flotilla Afloat Manager on VHF Channel 57

Ensure noise levels and conditions in your vessel permit you to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as

required by the International Collision Regulations

For all motorised boats please ensure you have your kill cord connected

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Safety Information

The Event will endeavour to provide a safe environment in accordance with the maritime Rules of the Road,

the prescriptions of the RYA, British Rowing’s “Row Safe”, Class rules as applicable and all other rules that

govern this event. Although participants, coaches and clubs are specifically reminded that every person

attending the event, including those participating, or officiating, do so entirely at their own risk and are solely

responsible for:

Their own safety

The strict observance of the flotilla sailing directions and timings

Deciding, together with their skippers, whether or not they are competent to compete in the prevailing weather and stream conditions

Ensuring ‘a responsible adult’ accompanies juniors competing in the event to assist them ’in loco parentis’ and assumes responsibility for their welfare

EQUIPMENT

It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that their boats are safe and are prepared to the standards

required by their Class Safety Rules and the Event safety and Communications requirements. Participating crews

must be prepared for the Boat Flotilla Manager to inspect their boats before proceeding to the Start. Boat Flotilla

Manager will be verifying the condition of propeller guards, buoyancy compartments and coxes lifejackets, etc.

Boats which fail to meet safe standards will not be allowed to participate.

Charity of the Day

We have chosen RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat as the charity to be supported

and we are committed to raising funds for this charity.

Ways you can support RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat are as follows:

Make a donation via the various on-shore charity fundraising buckets

Make a donation at the after event BBQ based at Port Edgar

Donate on line at http://rnli.org/howtosupportus/donatenow/Pages/give-money.aspx

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Flotilla Fleet

1st Edition

Ailsa

Blue Angel

Blueberry Hill

Bramble

Braveheart of

Fife

Breaking Wind

Brief N Counter

Britannia

Buddy

Calloo

Camino

Caprice

Cerberus

Chaka of

Birdham

Christina 2

Cordelle

Coull D

Crystal Sea

Driftwood

Eala

Eau J

Eh!

Eider

Electra 2

Embleton

Enigma

Erin

EuRoBo

Faithful

Ferry Lass

Ferry Maid

Ferry Sonnet

Foillan

Fyne Thyme

Good Design

Good Hope

Graycing

Hardslog

Hecla

HMS Archer

Honesty

Hoodlum

Hussy

Ice Breaker or

Jenny Skylark

Indefatigable

Banks

Inspired Capital

Isis

Island Trades

Jalapeno

Jan-T

Jesper B

Joint Venture

Katie Mor

Kellya

Kermit

Kiri

Kirsty

Kitty

Kmar

Kudos

L'arc en Ciel

Lorna Kay

Marean

Matilda

Maverick

Maxine

Merlin

Mistoffolees

Mistral

Moon White

Moonstruck

NAIAD

New Wave

NIZUC

No Worries

Northcraft

Papillion II

Pennine Star

Pharos

Phenomenal

Prospect

Quintane

Reaper

Respect

Roca II

Samagen

Sandbay

Century

Sapphire

Sapphire Spirit

Scorpio

Sea Dancer

Second Chance

Seeaway

Shalona

Shere Khan

Shoran II

Shuvler

Silkie

Silkie

Solveig

Sonas

Spintail

St Ayles

St Margaret's

Hope

Storm

Suilven

Sula II

Sulayr

Suspicion

Talisker

Talisker

Tallulah

Talsabie -

Holman

Sovereign Ketch

1966

Tami Nori

The Black Prince

Vela

Whispers

White Wing

Wild Horse

Wildcat

Wildoats

Wizz Too

XS

Berthing

Port Edgar marina offers nearly 300 serviced berths for boats of various sizes, outdoor hard standing and under

cover storage, a laundry room, diesel fuelling facilities and toilet and shower facilities with lockers.

There is a fixed crane on the end of the main pier for craning in boats up to 4.75 tons and stepping masts, and a

newly installed Wise 25 ton slipway travel hoist for launching and recovering larger boats. The slipway is also

available for public use.

Short Term

Berthing

Monthly Pontoon (April - September) per metre per month £32.00

Weekly Pontoon per metre per week £12.00

Daily Pontoon per metre per day £2.75

Drying out Berth per 24 hrs. £37.50

Use of Slip Craft under 6.0m (In and out) £12.50

Craft over 6.0m (In and out) £17.50

See Full Details at http://www.bosuns.co.uk/marina or call Tel: 0131 331 3330

How to promote your involvement

In the lead up to the event you can get involved online by joining us on Social Media. We will be using

#ForthFlotilla throughout the time of the Festival so please ensure to use this in any posts your make regarding

the event. To keep the momentum going from the Commonwealth Flotilla we also are keen for people to send us

their #FlotillaSelfie to @ForthBridgesFes.

Now if you are not a fan of a selfie don’t worry, our iconic Bridges are so photogenic you can join in the fun by

taking a shot of the Bridges from out in the Flotilla and send it to @ForthBridgesFes using #BridgesFlotilla.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

Travel

If you have friends and family who are keen to come and witness the flotilla please see below some travel

information which will guide them to the best spot depending on how they will get to the area on the Day.

Travelling by Car

If you are travelling by car the best area for parking and viewing of the Flotilla is the Port Edgar Marina, South

Queensferry. The postcode for your sat nav is EH30 9SQ. Approaching Port Edgar from the East you will pass

under the Forth Road Bridge along Shore Road. Port Edgar Marina lies on the south side of the Firth of Forth just

west of the Road Bridge.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be the following road closures on the day of the event.

There will be a road closure along south Queensferry High Street.

Travelling by Public Transport

If you are traveling by public transport the best area to view the Flotilla is Hawes Pier, South Queensferry.

By Train - First Scotrail Train services run from Dunfermline Town to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stopping

in Dalmeny Station (serving South Queensferry) which is a short (10min) walk from the town centre. Services

operate daily, with reduced service on weekends

By Bus - Stagecoach Service 40/40A operates a regular service every day between Edinburgh’s Bus Station and

South Queensferry, travelling along Queensferry Road

Stagecoach Fife service no. 747/JET747 operates from Edinburgh Airport to Inverkeithing with a stop at the south

end of the Forth Road Bridge serving South Queensferry. Services 53 (Edinburgh – Dalgety Bay), 55 (Edinburgh –

Dunfermline), and X50 (Leith – Dunfermline/Dalgety Bay) also stop at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge.

Festival Shuttle Bus Service

We will be running a free shuttle bus service between 12.15 and 15.15 that will pick spectators up from Dalmeny

Train Station and South Queensferry Rugby Club and take them to the Hawes Pier Area to allow them to watch

the Flotilla on the Forth. Full details will be available on the website www.forthbridgesfestival.com.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

What’s On at The Forth Bridges Festival .

As part of the Forth Bridges Festival 2014 there are a number of other activities going on including:

Scotland Welcomes the World to Lunch (6th September)

Come and enjoy a delicious taste of Scottish food and drink, as we show the world how Scotland celebrates! A spectacular culinary event will take place in South Queensferry, with a very special lunch served against the backdrop of the Forth Bridges. Celebrity Chef Nick Nairn has designed a range of tantalising menus for diners who will get to experience Scottish food and drink at its best. With decorated streets and other surprises to be announced, make sure you are part of this Birthday Lunch.

Food and Drink Market (6th and 7th September)

In conjunction with ‘Scotland Welcomes the World to Lunch’ and ‘Boat Flotilla’, a fantastic Food & Drink Market (including an Arts & Crafts section) will take place on the picturesque High Street in South Queensferry. Organised by Hand Up Media, around 50 exhibitors will offer you the chance to taste delicious, high-quality products and watch cookery demonstrations. You will also be able to purchase examples of the very best of Scottish produce as the ideal memento of a special family day out.

Biker Rally (7th September) TBC

Come and witness the amazing sight of 2,014 motorbikes crossing South over the Forth Road Bridge. Each rider making a contributions to local charities meaning that this is not just a celebration of a much loved structure, entertaining spectators gathering for the eagerly awaited Boat Flotilla, but a way of giving back to the local community. This fantastic event is free to witness.

Scrapbooks Exhibition – By the Bridges (4th – 13th September)

‘By the Bridges’ is an exhibition made possible by contributions of unique and personal heritage material contributed to the Forth Bridges Scrapbooks project from the local community, and those who have connections to the bridges through work and family. The exhibition will contain objects, unpublished images and film archive material created by individuals, families and the communities who live by the bridges, memorabilia that has been collected and lovingly stored for many years.

Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Finale (13th September)

Members of the public from both sides of the Forth will join together to form a river of fire across the 2.5 kilometre span of the Forth Road Bridge, in what is sure to be a memorable and atmospheric occasion for all concerned. The Procession will conclude at a unique ‘Bridge Party’ featuring great food, drink, live music and other entertainment. From this exclusive location revelers will have the best view as the famous suspension bridge is lit up by a spectacular fireworks display.

Guardian of the Bridges (now – September)

Until now, no-one has ever seen the secretive Guardian of the Bridges, who has protected the thousands of people who have travelled over the Bridges. On Sept 12th, the Guardian will be unveiled. Its image will be created from designs from local primary school children, as well as created by the local community, assisted by Artist Debbie Ryan. It will be an inspiring, environmentally-friendly structure and will stay with us to watch over the 3 Bridges into the future.

For more information please visit www.forthbridgesfestival.com

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

www.forthbridgesfestival.com

This image was created by Nial Herriot, Primary Six, Echline Primary School, South Queensferry