Forth Bridges Festival Flotilla on the Forth www.forthbridgesfestival.com

Flotilla Instructions

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Welcome to the Flotilla on the Forth

To celebrate the 50th Birthday of the a very special day of celebrations will see the decorated with vessels of all shapes and sizes in one of the signature events in the 2014 Festival. A multitude of crafts will travel along the stretch of water in front of North and . Vessels, Northern Lighthouse Board Support Vessels, pleasure boats, private yachts, ferries, motor-boats and skiffs – it is sure to be a magnificent and emotive spectacle.

The Flotilla is managed by Forth Estuary Transport Authority and event managed on their behalf by Indigo Project Solutions Ltd. The Flotilla has been developed in partnership with Forth Ports, FCBC, Port Edgar Holdings, Queensferry Ambition, HM Coastguard, RNLI, the Royal Navy and EventScotland.

These joining instructions are important and seek to provide you with the information necessary to join and enjoy the Flotilla. Please ensure that you read all the instructions carefully to ensure that the Flotilla on the Forth is successful and safe for both participants and spectators.

Schedule Information

TIDES Sunday 7th September Port Edgar (Rosyth) (BST) LW0755 0.9M HW1358 5.7M ALLOCATED MARINE COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL Flotilla Control: Marine VHF –CHANNEL 57

The Flotilla Passage Plan: Please check your column allocation. This will have been provided in your email with your joining instructions.

Column 1 and 2: Muster Point between Long Craig Pier and Small craft moorings east of Rail Bridge. Column 1 boats to the East side of area and Column 2 to the West side of area. Proceed in Column Order (Column 1 will lead off as slightly further to go) from Start Point 55o59.8’N, 3o 22.6’W (Use FETA Boat as visual marker) to Southern Tower of Road Bridge (1nm) to due South of Dhu Craig Navigational Buoy by FCBC Boat turn marker (1.8nm) to Forth Road Bridge (1.7nm) to Dispersal Point (use FETA boat as visual marker) 56o00.1’N 3o23.7’W (0.4nm)

Column 3: Muster Point Port Edgar Floating Breakwater Proceed in Column order from Start Point (Use P2000 as visual marker) 55o59.9N 3o24.6’W to Due South of Dhu Craig Navigational Buoy by FCBC Boat turn marker (1.5nm) to Forth Road Bridge (1.7nm) to Dispersal Point (use FETA boat as visual marker) 56o00.1’N 3o23.7’W (0.4nm)

The Afloat Flotilla Manager will coordinate the departures of Columns 1 and 2 with lead boats followed in close order by their column yachts and shepherded at rear by a Royal Navy P2000. Each column leader on reaching turning point will guide his/her column towards their designated channel for passing under the bridge and on reaching dispersal point wheel in turn south (or individual boats North as previously agreed with Boat Flotilla Manager) to return to Port Edgar or other destination while remaining outside commercial traffic channel. Each columns route and timings are as marked on the chart(s) below.

During the Flotilla each column of boats will have a lead boat to set the speed and at least one RIB available to provide support in case of difficulty. Other support boats will provide mechanical and medical assistance. HM Coastguard, The Royal Navy, Forth Ports as well as private contractors will also be present on the day to observe and maintain security and safety of all participants.

Support boats may issue specific instructions and we ask everyone to listen carefully and to comply immediately with all instructions. Each participating rowing club will be required to supply and man an accompanying RIB to provide comms link to the Flotilla management and safety teams.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Map of Journey

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Safety Boats

The designated “safety boats” are as follows: FCBC – Motor Launch – Wind Speed Calypso – Safety Boat 1, Safety Boat 2 and Calypso Afloat Manager Boat. In addition the 2 Royal Navy P2000 patrol boats will be positioned at the rear of the Flotilla to assist any stragglers and/or safety boats if requested by the Flotilla Afloat Manager.

Emergency Procedures and Communication Plan

EMERGENCY PROCEEDURES

Reportable Incident In the event of an incident that involves personal injury or severe illness, or where the boat is in danger and needs assistance, crews should contact in the first instance their Column Leader on their allocated Channel (VHF 11, 22 or 33 as appropriate). The column leader will cascade to the Flotilla Afloat Manager (Call Sign- Afloat Leader on VHF Channel 57) who will then initiate the appropriate action. All such incidents will be logged and cascaded to the Incident Management Tree (see Table 1) for information or action as required. It is very important that all participants keep “radio silence” once they have completed their initial “comms check” with their Column leader unless they have an incident to report.

Major Incident In the case of a major incident that may affect the safety of the Flotilla (such as a unexpected storm squall approaching) then the Boat Flotilla Manager will instruct all vessels to “Abort” the event requesting them to proceed safely to a place of shelter or home port depending on type and warning of the major incident received. Vessels will be asked to switch initially to Channel 57 and if then required to Channel 16 with control transferred from the Flotilla Afloat Manager to Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA). In the event of a serious incident within the Flotilla, vessels will be asked to switch to CH57 and monitor for further instructions.

Examples of Reportable and Major incidents and how they would cascade are at Table 2 below.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Table 1- Incident Management Tree

Flotilla Incident Manager Rob Thomson

Shore Support Manager Flotilla Afloat Manager (at Forth Ports) Andy McGrenary Mark Wardle

FCBC Safety Calypso Safety Calypso Safety Calypso Afloat Column Leader Column Leader Column Leader Boat Boat 1 Boat 2 Manager Boat 1 2 3 Pharos Reaper HMS Archer

Table 2 – Examples of Incident Management

Type of Action Taken Lead Officer Comms Instruction Incident

Crew Member Skipper reports incident to Column Leader on allocated Flotilla Afloat suffers minor Column Channel who informs Flotilla Afloat Manager Manager N/A cut or mishap (FAM) on Channel 57 (FAM)

Skipper reports incident to Column Leader who immediately informs other column vessels of hazard and Initially Ch57 for stricken Participating reports incident to FAM on Channel 57. FAM assesses size vessel only. FAM decide on Vessel loses of vessel and instructs an appropriate safety vessel to take FAM Flotilla channel change power stricken vessel in tow to a safe haven. Stricken vessel depending on risk to other requested to switch to Ch57. FAM informs Flotilla Incident vessels Manager (FIM) who liaises with Forth Ports and MCA

As above but FAM will instruct all vessels in column to Initially Column vessels switch to Channel 57 and consider requesting nominated switch to Channel 57, FAM Collision Initially FAM vessels to standby to assist his safety boats depending on to decide if all Flotilla to between potentially immediate damage assessment (E.g. vessel sinking) and switch to CH57 and on MCA vessels MCA number of vessels involved FAM will request FIM to seek transfer all flotilla to switch MCA assistance to Ch16

FAM instructs Column leaders to request all Major squall participants switch to CH 57 approaching FIM informs FAM who aborts Event, All vessels seek FIM and instructions to Abort from appropriate shelter and return to home port when able issued with vessels to remain Grangemouth on CH57 until incident closed.

EMERGENCY LANDING Vessels should land casualties at RNLI station on Hawes Pier, unless otherwise directed. The location provides the shortest route to the Casualty Unit at St John’s Hospital and normally allows easy access for vehicles.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions FIRST AID FACILITIES

Rescue launches will be at strategic positions on the river and will accompany the three flotilla columns during the Flotilla. In the event of an immersion of any crew the “warm room” facility will be the changing room showers located at Port Edgar Sailing Centre. First Aid Facilities are located at Port Edgar Sailing Centre, RNLI Station at Hawes Pier. Incidents ashore if serious should use the normal National 999 service. The nearest Hospital Accident & Emergency Unit is at St John’s Hospital, Livingston.

RADIO COMMUNICATIONS

All boats should carry a marine band VHF transceiver. Marine band VHF channels to be used are listed in Table 3.

Table 3 VHF11 Column1 Vessel Management VHF22 Column2 Vessel Management VHF33 Column 3 Vessel Management VHF57 Incident Management/Shore Flotilla Incident Management Link VHF 10 Emergency Channel Forth Ports/MCA

Each safety boat will be on VHF Channel 57 throughout. Emergency procedures and responses will be co- ordinated by the Flotilla Incident Officer (Flotilla Afloat Manager) and his On Water and on Shore marshals. All points of the course are under supervision of the on water Flotilla Afloat Manager or his safety boats who can summon assistance via radio if required.

Column leaders and other Incident Managers will communicate by mobile radio. There will also be radio links to the safety boats, MCA and Port Authority.

In the event of an accident on the water the nearest on water official will alert all other officials by saying “Flotilla Emergency, Safety Launch required at ‘location…’”. All other communications must then cease until the problem has been sorted and the nearest ‘on water’ official has clearly indicated that the incident is clear. The Flotilla Incident Manager will assume control of the incident and will supervise recovery.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions EVENT MANAGEMENT COMMUNICATIONS

A radio communications system will be available on the day with 10 handsets available. These will be distributed amongst Indigo Project Solutions’ Event Management staff with the inclusion of handsets for the agreed security company, GTS Solutions and Gary Haro, Indigo’s Health & Safety Consultant. Indigo’s Event Management staff will be situated within the vicinity of Hawes Pier on the day of the event.

There will be an on water control room at Forth Ports and this will be the base for Mark Wardle (representing the Flotilla) using the Forth Ports fitted “Sailors” Radio to monitor CH57 his “callsign” is FPSO. (Note: Mobile phones will be allocated as emergency communications back up between Forth Ports Control Centre and the Flotilla Management Team).

CREW LIMITATIONS AND CREW LIST

Before the flotilla commences all boat skippers must have completed the following: a. A crew list of all the people expected to participate together with a Next of Kin contact list that shall, so far as possible, be up to date and complete at the start of the flotilla. The latter will be held by the nominated shore contact. b. The name and address and contact telephone number of a person not sailing on the day who has been furnished with NOK details and can act as liaison should an incident occur on the water. c. Final destination point

Mustering Point

The mustering areas are as shown on chart but essentially each boat skipper will know his/her column number and will be called forward as a column group on his/her appropriate VHF channel to join and follow lead boat. At this point each boat in columns 1 and 2 will be under power with minimum sail (so as not to affect manoeuvrability) and they will be asked to follow on as closely as practical. In column 3, Skiffs and rowers will be asked to follow the lead boat at best speed (Est 3kts) with small yachts/motor boats following.

Shipping Channel and Closure

The river will be closed between Dhu Craig Buoy and Number 19 Buoy to all vessels not registered as participants of the Flotilla from 1300 until 1430 on Sunday 7 September.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Speed of Flotilla

Column 1 and 2 are being asked to sail at 4 kts with column 3 at 3 kts on reaching the turn all boats will be asked to make best speed up to 5 kts. The aim is to have column 3 around the turn first.

Column 3 will initially sail for mid channel then turn to aim for turning point to ensure that the faster columns have sea room to their south as they overtake Column 3 approaching the turning point.

Timetable

Start and Finish

Competitors will assemble in their designated column starting areas no later than 15 minutes prior to their designated start time. On completion of the sail past participants will disperse to the north or south of the commercial traffic channel as determined by their sail plan and final destination and as overseen by Calypso Marine.

Crews proceeding to the Start will keep to the East side of their designated column start line and await VHF instruction by their respective column leader.

Crews having completed sail past and who intend to sail back to attend the event BBQ must proceed to Port Edgar Sailing Centre, complying with instructions of the Flotilla Afloat Manager.

Timings of Flotilla on the Forth  All boats must arrive at disbursement points by 1230  Flotilla Column 3 - 1245hrs - Column 3 departs from Port Edgar Floating Breakwater  Forth Deep Water Channel closes 1300hrs - 1430hrs  Flotilla Column 1 - 1245hrs - Depart Long Craig Pier  Flotilla Column 2 – 1245hrs - Depart Long Craig Pier  Flotilla Column 3 – 1320hrs – Rounds FCBC Launch at turning point south of Dhu Craig Light  Flotilla Column 1 & 2 - 1330hrs – Pass and then Round turning point south of Dhu Craig Light  Flotilla all 3 Columns – 1350 –pass Beamer Rock exclusion Zone  Flotilla all 3 Columns -1351 – fan out to pass under the Forth Road Bridge in their designated channel  Flotilla all 3 Columns 1356 – Disperses to pre- agreed destinations North or South of the commercial channel  By 1600hrs all “booked in” boats return to Port Edgar for BBQ & Concert (1600hrs - 1900hrs)

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Weather Limits

Table 3 – Beaufort Scale

Class/Type of Vessel Max Sea State Allowable Max Wind Conditions Allowable Rowing Boats 2-Smooth Wavelets –max wave ht 0.3m 4-Moderate Breeze 11-16kts Sea going skiffs, small motor 5 - Fresh Breeze 17-21kts or squalls 3-Slight-Max wave ht- 1.5m boats and yachts <7m forecast(occasional gusting winds up to 30kts) Yachts > 7m, 4- Moderate -Max wave Ht- 2.5m 6-Strong Breeze 22-27kts All other Powered vessels 5-Rough- Max Wave Ht- 4.0m 7-Near gale 28-33kts

Note: Should the prevailing wind on the day be from the East then the “return” leg passage speed will be adjusted depending on wind strength and promulgated to all prior to start at 1215.

Event Cancellation Process

EVENT GO/NOGO Decision Matrix:

 3 DAY NOTICE - 72 hrs prior to event should the weather forecast predict Beaufort Wind Scale 8 (gale force winds 34-40 kts) or sea state 6 (Very Rough Max wave ht 7.5m) or above for the period of the event then the event will be cancelled and all entrant skippers will be e-mailed with this news. Additionally local media will promulgate the news for potential spectators.  At 9am the morning of the event the weather conditions will be assessed and the GO/NO GO criteria in Table 3 for each class of boat listed below will be activated. Skippers affected will be informed by email or phone call. Information will also be posted on the festival website www.forthbridgesfestival.com and social media channels  At 12.15pm of the event a final review of the immediate conditions will again be assessed against Table 3 and any participant or class considered at undue risk will be notified on their allocated VHF channels or by telephone if applicable.  In the event of a serious incident during the event the Flotilla Afloat Manager will broadcast the following message on Channel 57 Festival Flotilla “Abort, Abort, Abort because of Incident...... Each vessel is to proceed to their port of origin or safe anchorage as appropriate taking care to give adequate sea room to vessels in company”. The Flotilla Afloat Manager will then re broadcast message after 90 seconds and again as appropriate until the Flotilla has dispersed safely out of harm’s way.

 KEY INSTRUCTIONS

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions KEY INSTRUCTIONS

 All participating vessels (or for rowing boats their designated escort) are to have fitted or carry working Marine VHF Radios.  Ensure you have read all of the Flotilla instructions, and ensure you are knowledgeable of the Emergency and Communications plan before participating  Ensure you have informed the Festival team by Wednesday 3rd September via email at [email protected] or by phone on 0131 331 3511 with your crew list and Next of Kin information  Ensure you monitor the Forth Bridges Festival website, social media channels and your email (or telephone messages if you do not have email) in the days leading up to the Flotilla for up to date information and any restrictions due to inclement weather. Our first point of contact with you will be email, if you do not have email we will contact you by telephone.  Feel free to decorate your boat but ensure that any decorations do not affect visibility. Any boat which is deemed to be decorated in a way that may cause offence will be excluded from the Flotilla.  Feel free to document your involvement through our social media channels  When underway please ensure that you and your crew wear appropriate clothing and equipment for the conditions for the sun, rain and wind.  Be aware that overcrowded boats may be refused entry to the Flotilla.  No inter vessel personnel transfers are permissible during the flotilla event unless authorised by the Flotilla Afloat Manager as part of an emergency incident.  Please bring enough refreshments whilst afloat.  Ensure the skipper and at least one other capable crew member refrains from alcohol whilst underway.  Safety inspections will be carried out on boats randomly to ensure that boats are in a seaworthy state  All crew are advised to wear personal buoyancy aids  In the event of an incident that involves personal injury or severe illness, or where the boat is in danger and needs assistance, crews should contact in the first instance the Flotilla Afloat Manager on VHF Channel 57  Ensure noise levels and conditions in your vessel permit you to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as required by the International Collision Regulations  For all motorised boats please ensure you have your kill cord connected

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Safety Information

The Event will endeavour to provide a safe environment in accordance with the maritime Rules of the Road, the prescriptions of the RYA, British Rowing’s “Row Safe”, Class rules as applicable and all other rules that govern this event. Although participants, coaches and clubs are specifically reminded that every person attending the event, including those participating, or officiating, do so entirely at their own risk and are solely responsible for:

 Their own safety  The strict observance of the flotilla sailing directions and timings  Deciding, together with their skippers, whether or not they are competent to compete in the prevailing weather and stream conditions  Ensuring ‘a responsible adult’ accompanies juniors competing in the event to assist them ’in loco parentis’ and assumes responsibility for their welfare

EQUIPMENT

It is the responsibility of the competitors to ensure that their boats are safe and are prepared to the standards required by their Class Safety Rules and the Event safety and Communications requirements. Participating crews must be prepared for the Boat Flotilla Manager to inspect their boats before proceeding to the Start. Boat Flotilla Manager will be verifying the condition of propeller guards, buoyancy compartments and coxes lifejackets, etc. Boats which fail to meet safe standards will not be allowed to participate.

Charity of the Day

We have chosen RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat as the charity to be supported and we are committed to raising funds for this charity.

Ways you can support RNLI Queensferry Lifeboat are as follows:

 Make a donation via the various on-shore charity fundraising buckets  Make a donation at the after event BBQ based at Port Edgar

Donate on line at http://rnli.org/howtosupportus/donatenow/Pages/give-money.aspx

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Flotilla Fleet

1st Edition Embleton Jan-T Northcraft Sonas

Ailsa Enigma Jesper B Papillion II Spintail

Blue Angel Erin Joint Venture Pennine Star St Ayles

Blueberry Hill EuRoBo Katie Mor Pharos St Margaret's Hope Bramble Faithful Kellya Phenomenal Storm Braveheart of Ferry Lass Kermit Prospect Fife Suilven Ferry Maid Kiri Quintane Breaking Wind Sula II Ferry Sonnet Kirsty Reaper Brief N Counter Sulayr Foillan Kitty Respect Britannia Suspicion Fyne Thyme Kmar Roca II Buddy Talisker Good Design Kudos Samagen Calloo Talisker Good Hope L'arc en Ciel Sandbay Camino Century Tallulah Graycing Lorna Kay Caprice Sapphire Talsabie - Hardslog Marean Holman Cerberus Sapphire Spirit Hecla Matilda Sovereign Ketch Chaka of Scorpio 1966 Birdham HMS Archer Maverick Sea Dancer Tami Nori Christina 2 Honesty Maxine Second Chance The Black Prince Cordelle Hoodlum Merlin Seeaway Vela Coull D Hussy Mistoffolees Shalona Whispers Ice Breaker or Crystal Sea Mistral Jenny Skylark Shere Khan White Wing Driftwood Moon White Indefatigable Shoran II Wild Horse Eala Banks Moonstruck Shuvler Wildcat Eau J Inspired Capital NAIAD Silkie Wildoats Eh! Isis New Wave Silkie Wizz Too Eider Island Trades NIZUC Solveig XS No Worries Electra 2 Jalapeno

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions Berthing

Port Edgar marina offers nearly 300 serviced berths for boats of various sizes, outdoor hard standing and under cover storage, a laundry room, diesel fuelling facilities and toilet and shower facilities with lockers. There is a fixed crane on the end of the main pier for craning in boats up to 4.75 tons and stepping masts, and a newly installed Wise 25 ton slipway travel hoist for launching and recovering larger boats. The slipway is also available for public use.

Monthly Pontoon (April - September) per metre per month £32.00 Short Term Berthing Weekly Pontoon per metre per week £12.00

Daily Pontoon per metre per day £2.75

Drying out Berth per 24 hrs. £37.50

Craft under 6.0m (In and out) £12.50 Use of Slip Craft over 6.0m (In and out) £17.50

See Full Details at http://www.bosuns.co.uk/marina or call Tel: 0131 331 3330

How to promote your involvement

In the lead up to the event you can get involved online by joining us on Social Media. We will be using #ForthFlotilla throughout the time of the Festival so please ensure to use this in any posts your make regarding the event. To keep the momentum going from the Commonwealth Flotilla we also are keen for people to send us their #FlotillaSelfie to @ForthBridgesFes. Now if you are not a fan of a selfie don’t worry, our iconic Bridges are so photogenic you can join in the fun by taking a shot of the Bridges from out in the Flotilla and send it to @ForthBridgesFes using #BridgesFlotilla.

Travel

If you have friends and family who are keen to come and witness the flotilla please see below some travel information which will guide them to the best spot depending on how they will get to the area on the Day.

Travelling by Car If you are travelling by car the best area for parking and viewing of the Flotilla is the Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry. The postcode for your sat nav is EH30 9SQ. Approaching Port Edgar from the East you will pass under the Forth Road Bridge along Shore Road. Port Edgar Marina lies on the south side of the Firth of Forth just west of the Road Bridge.

PLEASE NOTE: There will be the following road closures on the day of the event. There will be a road closure along south Queensferry High Street.

Travelling by Public Transport If you are traveling by public transport the best area to view the Flotilla is Hawes Pier, South Queensferry. By Train - First Scotrail Train services run from Dunfermline Town to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stopping in Dalmeny Station (serving South Queensferry) which is a short (10min) walk from the town centre. Services operate daily, with reduced service on weekends By Bus - Stagecoach Service 40/40A operates a regular service every day between Edinburgh’s Bus Station and South Queensferry, travelling along Queensferry Road Stagecoach Fife service no. 747/JET747 operates from Edinburgh Airport to Inverkeithing with a stop at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge serving South Queensferry. Services 53 (Edinburgh – Dalgety Bay), 55 (Edinburgh – Dunfermline), and X50 (Leith – Dunfermline/Dalgety Bay) also stop at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge.

Festival Shuttle Bus Service We will be running a free shuttle bus service between 12.15 and 15.15 that will pick spectators up from Dalmeny Train Station and South Queensferry Rugby Club and take them to the Hawes Pier Area to allow them to watch the Flotilla on the Forth. Full details will be available on the website www.forthbridgesfestival.com.

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions What’s On at The Forth Bridges Festival .

As part of the Forth Bridges Festival 2014 there are a number of other activities going on including:

Scotland Welcomes the World to Lunch (6th September) Come and enjoy a delicious taste of Scottish food and drink, as we show the world how Scotland celebrates! A spectacular culinary event will take place in South Queensferry, with a very special lunch served against the backdrop of the Forth Bridges. Celebrity Chef Nick Nairn has designed a range of tantalising menus for diners who will get to experience Scottish food and drink at its best. With decorated streets and other surprises to be announced, make sure you are part of this Birthday Lunch.

Food and Drink Market (6th and 7th September) In conjunction with ‘Scotland Welcomes the World to Lunch’ and ‘Boat Flotilla’, a fantastic Food & Drink Market (including an Arts & Crafts section) will take place on the picturesque High Street in South Queensferry. Organised by Hand Up Media, around 50 exhibitors will offer you the chance to taste delicious, high-quality products and watch cookery demonstrations. You will also be able to purchase examples of the very best of Scottish produce as the ideal memento of a special family day out.

Biker Rally (7th September) TBC Come and witness the amazing sight of 2,014 motorbikes crossing South over the Forth Road Bridge. Each rider making a contributions to local charities meaning that this is not just a celebration of a much loved structure, entertaining spectators gathering for the eagerly awaited Boat Flotilla, but a way of giving back to the local community. This fantastic event is free to witness.

Scrapbooks Exhibition – By the Bridges (4th – 13th September) ‘By the Bridges’ is an exhibition made possible by contributions of unique and personal heritage material contributed to the Forth Bridges Scrapbooks project from the local community, and those who have connections to the bridges through work and family. The exhibition will contain objects, unpublished images and film archive material created by individuals, families and the communities who live by the bridges, memorabilia that has been collected and lovingly stored for many years.

Torchlight Procession and Fireworks Finale (13th September) Members of the public from both sides of the Forth will join together to form a river of fire across the 2.5 kilometre span of the Forth Road Bridge, in what is sure to be a memorable and atmospheric occasion for all concerned. The Procession will conclude at a unique ‘Bridge Party’ featuring great food, drink, live music and other entertainment. From this exclusive location revelers will have the best view as the famous suspension bridge is lit up by a spectacular fireworks display.

Guardian of the Bridges (now – September) Until now, no-one has ever seen the secretive Guardian of the Bridges, who has protected the thousands of people who have travelled over the Bridges. On Sept 12th, the Guardian will be unveiled. Its image will be created from designs from local primary school children, as well as created by the local community, assisted by Artist Debbie Ryan. It will be an inspiring, environmentally-friendly structure and will stay with us to watch over the 3 Bridges into the future.

For more information please visit www.forthbridgesfestival.com

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions

www.forthbridgesfestival.com

This image was created by Nial Herriot, Primary Six, Echline Primary School, South Queensferry

Flotilla on the Forth – Joining Instructions