Icy memories of a bridge trek too far

THERE’S a ballot for the chance to walk over the new Queensferry Crossing before it (finally – who knew fickle Scottish weather might affect construction?) fully opens to traffic.

I won’t be entering, though it’s nothing to do with fear of heights and everything to do with a stroll I once took over the Forth Road Bridge.

I was a callow reporter based in Dunfermline when word came through that there was a horror crash on the bridge – lurid reports of a petrol tanker on fire. Big news!

So a photographer and I set out on a bitterly cold and exceptionally foggy December night to walk the bridge’s footpath.

Visibility was down to a few yards and with every step we expected a fireball glow…

Instead we eventually made out the lights of the old toll booths on the Lothian side. Good news for drivers but frozen, with no story – and not even a view to enjoy – we trudged back towards Fife.