2019 Forth Bridge Abseil

Sunday's Forth Bridge Rotary Abseil, organised by the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, saw 334 intrepid volunteers turn out to drop 165ft from the world-famous landmark in aid of good causes. The event has grown into one of the most significant fundraisers in the district and this year topped the £1million mark in money raised since it started ten years ago. The principal charities to benefit this year were The Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity and Strathcarron Hospice. Each charity is adopted for two years and spaces are also made available for supporters to abseil on behalf of many other local and national charities. There is also a charity village in the grounds of the Hawes Inn where participants and spectators can find out more about the charities they are supporting.

Abseilers of all ages in a range of colourful outfits descended from the bridge to the beach watched by friends and supporters. A team from Amazon in Dunfermline supporting CHAS were first down. They were followed by a strong team from the Rebecca Rocks fundraising group, also abseiling for CHAS.  Many abseilers chose colourful outfits. Batman descended complete with cape, a team from Kinloch Anderson, abseiling for Macmillan Cancer Support, all wore kilts and the group from Craigie's Bee Team naturally wore bee-keepers' outfits. Good, clear weather helped the event go with a swing and the last abseilers landed safely on the beach just after 5pm.

Ian Heigh, Network Rail Senior Project Engineer, who visited the event, congratulated the Rotary Club of South Queensferry for having achieved £1 million from Forth Bridge Abseils. He said, ' Network Rail are delighted to make the bridge available to a local organisation to raise funds for so many good causes.'

Rotary District Governor Jo Pawley from Eyemouth, said, 'This is my first visit to the Abseil though I have heard a lot about it. It is a classic example of Rotary in action, involving many charities and  showing immense commitment from the Queensferry club to sustain this amazing event over ten years.'

Immediate Past President Sandy Mackenzie, who presented abseilers with certificates, said: 'It has been fantastic congratulating so many people. For everyone taking part, the Abseil is not just a thrilling experience, but the result of many hours' work raising sponsorship. It's great that the Queensferry Club can use this amazing bridge, right on our doorstep, to benefit so many good causes. We are grateful to Network Rail, Balfour Beatty, the hundreds of abseilers and all the people who supported them.'

President Jim McCulloch said: 'I must thank our club members and particularly  Graham and the Abseil team who put in so much time and effort in the months before the event. Thanks also to the numerous volunteer marshals who helped things run smoothly on the day. Kirkcaldy Community Radio K107FM really kept things alive with music and commentary.'

Graham Clarkson, head of the organising team, said: 'It's wonderful how popular the abseil has become. Today's event has raised a magnificent £120,000 and this figure will increase as further sponsorship money comes in. Our partners, The Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity and Strathcarron Hospice worked hard recruiting abseilers and it is great that so many other charities were able to benefit too. We'll confirm the date of next year's  Rotary Forth Bridge Abseil as soon as possible.'