From bridging remote regions to harnessing natural resources, these feats of engineering reflect Scotland’s rich heritage, innovation, and commitment to progress.
15th-century stone arch bridge that spans the River Doon near Alloway, Ayrshire.
Forth Bridge
Opened in 1890 … Spanning the Firth of Forth … cantilever design, the bridge stretches over 2.5km and was the first major structure in Britain to be built entirely of steel
Forth Road Bridge
Opened in 1964, the Forth Road Bridge connects Edinburgh and Fife across the Firth of Forth.
At the time, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world – with a main span of over 1,000 metres and a total length of 2.5km.
Queensferry Crossing
Opened in 2017, the Queensferry Crossing is the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world.
Glenfinnan Viaduct
Completed in 1898, the Glenfinnan Viaduct … Victorian engineering and the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland.
Stretching 416 yards across 21 arches and rising 100 feet above the River Finnan, it was the first large-scale concrete viaduct built in Britain.
Falkirk Wheel
Opened in 2002, the Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only fully rotating boat lift.
When a boat enters one gondola, an equal weight of water spills out into the canal, ensuring that both gondolas, one with a boat and one with just water, always weigh the same.
V&A Dundee
Opened in 2018, the V&A Dundee is Scotland’s first design museum
In no particular order:
Scotland’s tallest surviving industrial chimney
15th-century stone arch bridge that spans the River Doon near Alloway, Ayrshire.
Opened in 1890 … Spanning the Firth of Forth … cantilever design, the bridge stretches over 2.5km and was the first major structure in Britain to be built entirely of steel
Opened in 1964, the Forth Road Bridge connects Edinburgh and Fife across the Firth of Forth.
At the time, it was one of the longest suspension bridges in the world – with a main span of over 1,000 metres and a total length of 2.5km.
Opened in 2017, the Queensferry Crossing is the longest three-tower cable-stayed bridge in the world.
Completed in 1898, the Glenfinnan Viaduct … Victorian engineering and the longest concrete railway bridge in Scotland.
Stretching 416 yards across 21 arches and rising 100 feet above the River Finnan, it was the first large-scale concrete viaduct built in Britain.
Opened in 2002, the Falkirk Wheel is the world’s only fully rotating boat lift.
When a boat enters one gondola, an equal weight of water spills out into the canal, ensuring that both gondolas, one with a boat and one with just water, always weigh the same.
Opened in 2018, the V&A Dundee is Scotland’s first design museum