Quieter crossing anticipated on annual Forth Road Bridge walk

Things will certainly be quieter for the annual Christian Aid Forth Road Bridge walk this year.

To celebrate the relaunch of the bridge as a public transport corridor, organisers of the sponsored walk are hoping this year will be even bigger and better.

Started in 1972 by the late Rev John Carrie, with support from his congregation at Queensferry Parish Church, the annual Forth Road Bridge Cross is now one of Scotland’s longest-running sponsored walks, raising more than £1 million for Christian Aid.

John’s wife Annette, who lives in Queensferry, will be joined by her grandson Angus Whylie, 11.

Lucy Kirkland, events fundraising officer for Christian Aid Scotland, said: “With the huge reduction of traffic and with fantastic views of two of Scotland’s most iconic bridges, we hope this year more people will be encouraged to join us to help raise money for the world’s poorest communities.

“The event has been a huge success for 46 years and this is down to the enthusiasm and commitment of communities north and south of the bridge and we are continually grateful to everyone for their support.”

Joan McConnachie, 76, who has taken part in the Bridge Cross for more than 20 years added: “The bridge cross this year will certainly be quieter and more picturesque although we’ll miss the car drivers beeping their horns, encouraging us on. It will be great to see some familiar faces and hopefully some new ones.”

To take part in the cross, which will start at 2pm on Saturday April 28, visit christianaid.org.uk/walks or call Lucy on 0141 2416138.