Human settlement in Scotland
Photo: Roger Wollstadt from Sarasota, Florida, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
South Queensferry is a town on the south bank of the Firth of Forth in West Lothian, 10 miles west of Edinburgh. Historically it was the ferry port for crossing to Fife, then in modern times it acquired three bridges. It's nowadays a commuter town for Edinburgh and in 2020 had a population of 10,400.
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This cantilever railway bridge, completed in 1890, carries the East Coast Mainline railway from London to Aberdeen. It's of very sturdy construction, as in 1879 the winter winds had tragically brought down the Tay rail bridge. That bridge's architect was sacked from the Forth project, and the design allowance for wind strength raised five-fold. "Painting the Forth Bridge" was a by-word for a never-ending task, but in 2011 they finally finished, as modern paints are much longer lasting. In 2015 the bridge became a . It's not worth crossing by train just for the view, as trains rattle across in a couple of minutes.
Opened in 1964, this suspension bridge carried the A90 until replaced in 2017 by the new bridge. It now carries only public transport, making it the world's most elaborate, expensive bus lane. There's a footpath and cycleway on either side: exit onto A904 Ferry Muir Rd and follow signs for the Visitor Centre, free parking. Normally pedestrians and cyclists use the east walkway, with the west used for maintenance vehicles. Occasionally use is switched, when they need to carry out maintenance on the east side. Use the steps and underpass either end to cross between walkways.
This cable-stay road bridge, opened in 2017, carries the M90. There's no walkway or cycle path, so view it from the waterfront or old bridge.
Small exhibition of the history of town, ferry and bridges. It remains closed.
Priory Church
Built around 1450 as a priory for the Carmelite Friars, but falling into disuse until restored in 1889 when it became Episcopal (Anglican). The stumpy tower was once three storeys high. The rest of the Carmelite monastery buildings have entirely disappeared.
Magnificent Georgian mansion house, built in 1701 but greatly extended in the 18th century by the Adams. With landscaped gardens looking out over the Firth, great display of daffodils in spring.
19th-century ersatz Tudor/Gothic pile, with Regency interiors and landscaped gardens. Open in summer only for guided tours, or by arrangement for groups. You can see the exterior from the public footpath along the coast.
With its original 15th-century keep, but mostly in 19th-century retro-Tudor/Gothic style, this castle is a venue for private or corporate events, with luxury accommodation.
16th century tower house, you can only see the exterior. It was the location for Lallybroch in Outlander and is frankly only of interest to fans of that TV series.
Dinghy sailing, kayaking, canoeing, powerboating. Hire and tuition available at this council-run facility. Berthing facilities available for visiting yachts.
Restaurant, bar and hotel on the waterfront. Outside decking for fine days with great views of the Forth and bridges. They also have rooms.
Pleasant seafood restaurant with great views.
Beneath the railway bridge, so-so reviews for the food.
Character-laden old pub with good real ales and pub grub. Dog-friendly, nautical memorabilia and occasional live music.
Historic pub with lodging, comfy and good dining. The 19th-century novelist Robert Louis Stevenson often stayed when journeying to and from the north, and mentioned it in his novel Kidnapped.
17th century coaching inn with great views of the Forth, some rooms cold and draughty.
Slick hotel with great reviews for comfort and service, with free shuttle to airport.
Budget chain hotel, usually comfy but poor air-con / temperature control, some traffic noise.
By bus
From Edinburgh take Lothian Bus 43 from St Andrews Square (stop YD) via West End, Blackhall and Barnton junction. These run every 20 min, taking 45 min.
By car
From Edinburgh, follow A90 west then branch off onto B924, the old road to the ferry.
By plane
South Queensferry is 3 miles from Edinburgh Airport (EDI). Bus 747 from the airport (Stand G) to Fife stops on the Forth Road Bridge, every 20 min daily. Otherwise travel via Edinburgh Haymarket.
By bike
From Edinburgh, National Cycle Route 1 follows disused railway tracks out of the city across golf courses onto A90 Queensferry Road. Branch off onto B924 the old ferry road.
By boat
Cruise ships visiting South Queensferry do not dock at a terminal. Passengers are tendered ashore by small boats, landing at Hawes Pier beneath the Forth Bridge.
Reaching the stately homes listed below will need a car, bike or taxi. Everything else is a short walk.
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