Public vote launched for new Forth bridge

Monday, 29 April 2013 16:33

9 Comments

The public vote to decide the name of the new Forth Replacement Crossing gets underway this morning.

After receiving over 7,600 suggestions from the public, an independent panel has agreed a shortlist of five names (in alphabetical order):

• Caledonia Bridge
• Firth of Forth Crossing
• Queensferry Crossing
• Saltire Crossing
• St Margaret’s Crossing

Members of the public can now vote for their favourite via the dedicated website: www.namethebridge.co.uk , SMS texting or by requesting a postal vote. The website includes full details on the voting process.

Voting will run until June 7, with the most popular choice being formally announced towards the end of the month. The structure remains on schedule to open in 2016.

Launching the public vote, Transport Minister, Keith Brown said:

“The Forth Replacement Crossing is the biggest infrastructure project in Scotland for a generation. This hugely significant work is vital for the future of the nation’s economy and the naming process has clearly captured the imagination of the public across all walks of life. 

“The Forth Bridge was constructed in the 19th century, the Forth Road Bridge in the 20th century and now we are building a new crossing for the 21st century. I would encourage the public to continue to play their part and make the eventual winner a popular and fair choice  by getting involved in the final vote. 

“It is important this process is as inclusive and representative as possible. This innovative naming procedure has recently attracted international interest and praise for engaging so many people and other countries are keen to learn from our example. I would like to thank those involved and, in particular, the panel members for their time and careful deliberation in drawing together the shortlist.

“We are determined this project will leave a positive legacy. There are a number of different ways to cast your vote – so there’s no excuse for not getting involved!”

Hamira Khan, chief executive of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said he was delighted to be part of the Bridge Naming Advisory Panel:

Hamira added: “The name suggestions and the shortlisting process absolutely support my personal view – that we should live in an inclusive and democratic society. So many wonderful and clever names were submitted and a few funny ones were thrown in too. Drawing up the shortlist was no easy task, but I am confident that the final name chosen will truly reflect the wishes of the people of Scotland. I urge everyone to go online, pick up the phone or send in your postcards and vote. Let’s all share the opportunity of participating in this historic moment.”

Alan Simpson, former chair of the Institution of Civil Engineers Scotland, said:

“I was honoured and privileged to be invited to join the Bridge Naming Advisory Panel. This new bridge is a really exciting project that so clearly demonstrates the significance of civil engineering to Scotland and will, with its two neighbours, show off the development of bridge technology over a period of 125 years. 

“I found it extremely difficult to reduce total of over 7000 suggestions to just five for the final vote. However, I was delighted at the number of nominations, which indicates how the construction of this wonderful new bridge has captured the imagination of people throughout the country. The work brings the skills and expertise of civil engineers who are responsible for the design and construction of the bridge into public focus and it demonstrates the interest that a major part of our transport infrastructure can generate.”