Discover Historic South Queensferry: A Tour Between Scotland’s Iconic Bridges

Queensferry is one of Scotland’s most ancient crossing points, and is steeped in historic tales from its rich and colourful past. This picturesque town is nestled between Scotland’s iconic bridges – Forth Bridge, Forth Road Bridge, and Queensferry Crossing.

The tour starts in front of the Forth Bridge Memorial in the shadows of the iconic Forth railway bridge and UNESCO site. From there, you’ll walk through this ancient Royal Burgh town and hear stories of air raids, mysterious parades, and witchcraft. You’l follow in the footsteps of past visitors, from Robert Louis Stevenson and Alfred Hitchcock, to King Olav of Norway. I’ll tell you about its royal roots and a local lord with high ambitions. With its 15th century medieval Priory, 17th century dwellings, and 19th century harbour you will be surprised at what hidden tales await you!

En route to the Binks, Queensferry’s ancient crossing point where the tour ends, you’ll have a chance to:

• Stand in the shadow of the mighty Forth Bridge, which in 1890 was the largest steel structure on earth
• Take in the Forth Road Bridge, once the longest suspension road bridge in Europe – and, coincidentally, the fourth longest in the world
• Gaze up at Queensferry Crossing, the bridge with three rather unusual records under its belt
• See Hawes Inn, a 17th-century inn under Forth Bridge that was frequented by Scottish writer, Robert Louis Stevenson
• Spot Inchgarvie Island that was first fortified over a 1,000 years ago
• Find out if Black Castle – which isn’t actually a castle – is black because of a sinister point in its history
• Hear the history of the old tolbooth, which has served as a customs office, court, council chamber, and even a jail
• Learn about Samuel Wilson, once one of the wealthiest men in Queensferry, while standing outside his former home, Plewlands House
• Pass by the Priory of St. Mary of Mount Carmel, the UK’s oldest Carmelite church still in operation today
• Discover what a Binks is and why it’s so important to the town’s history

Whether it’s your first time in Queensferry or you’re a regular visitor, join me, Mark Taylor from Forth Bridges Tours, for an informative and unforgettable walk in the shadows of the town’s iconic bridges. There are plenty of wee cafes, pubs, restaurants and shops to enjoy en route.