After the recent opening of the new Queensferry Crossing, we thought we would take a look at some of the other wonderful feats of engineering and iconic transport landmarks within Scotland.
Here’s our top ten list of Scottish transport Landmarks.
- Queensferry Crossing
The newest landmark in Scotland. At 1.7 miles long, the Queensferry Crossing is the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. The stunning bridge connects Edinburgh and Fife and is the third across the Forth, following the rail and original road bridge.
- Falkirk Wheel
A feat of engineering, the Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only rotating boatlift. Its purpose it to connect the Forth, Clyde and Union canals. It’s also a popular tourist attraction, where visitors can take a boat trip and soar through the air as the structure moves.
- Glenfinnan Viaduct
The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct connects the railway to Glenfinnan Station across a 1,000 feet span and sits 100 ft above the ground. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, then you’ll know that the Hogwarts Express travels along the viaduct.
- Skye Bridge
Connecting the Isle of Skye to the island of Eilean Bàn and the mainland, the Skye Bridge was opened in 1995 and is 1.5 miles long. The bridge has a controversial past due to its funding and toll system but has been free to cross since 2004.
- Cairngorms Funicular Railway
If walking to the top of Britain’s sixth highest mountain isn’t for you then you can relax and ride the Cairngorms Funicular Railway. It’s the UK’s highest funicular railway and runs all year round with its highest stop 1,097 metres above sea level.
- The Forth Bridges
Even before the addition of the Queensferry Crossing, the Forth Bridges were iconic themselves. Opened in 1890, the famous Forth Railway Bridge was the first bridge over the Forth and was the longest single cantilever bridge span in the world. In July 2015 it was announced as an UNESCO world heritage site. Sitting beside it is the Forth Road Bridge which opened in 1964.
- The Riverside Museum
Home to some of the world’s finest cars and bicycles, the Riverside Museum is situated on the banks of the river Clyde. The museum has over 3000 different objects and artefacts on display. Outside, there is the famous Tall Ship, Glenlee, the UK’s only floating Clyde-built sailing ship.
- Edinburgh Tram
The 14 kilometre line which opened in 2014 provides a direct route from the city centre to Edinburgh International Airport. The only tram route in Scotland takes you past Murrayfield Stadium, the Walter Scott Monument and the National Gallery.
- The Glasgow Subway
121 years old, the Glasgow Subway, commonly referred to as the Clockwork Orange, is the third oldest underground metro system in the world. It is the only system in the UK to operate completely underground and the only system in the world to have never been expanded from its original route.
- Flying Scotsman
Originally built in Doncaster, the Flying Scotsman, is a two time world record holder with a top speed of 100mph and has completed a 711km non-stop journey. The train, which was built in 1922, cost just under £8,000 to complete and was purposed for the London and North Eastern Railway (LNER). It didn’t get given its iconic name until 1924 when it appeared at the British Empire Exhibition in London.
