Queensferry Crossing to be opened by The Queen on September 4

The Queensferry Crossing bridge on the Firth of Forth (Andrew Cawley)

THE Queen will officially open the new Queensferry Crossing on September 4.

The ceremony will take place exactly 53 years to the day from when the monarch opened the Forth Road Bridge.

It will feature an address by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, a blessing by Church of Scotland Moderator The Right Rev Dr Derek Browning, a specially-commissioned poem read by Scotland’s Makar Jackie Kay and musical performances.

The £1.35 billion crossing across the Forth was due to open last December but its completion was delayed by adverse weather conditions.

It will now open to traffic on August 30, before closing again on September 2 and 3 to allow 50,000 members of the public the chance to walk across it.

After a ballot for the walking experience attracted almost 250,000 entries, an extra community day has been added on September 5, giving up to 10,000 more people from local schools and groups on both sides of the Forth the chance to walk the crossing.

The bridge will then reopen to traffic with no pedestrian access.

Ms Sturgeon said: “It is very fitting that the Queensferry Crossing will be officially opened by the Queen, exactly 53 years to the day from when she opened the Forth Road Bridge.

“Importantly, this celebratory event will recognise the thousands of people who have been involved in the construction of the new bridge.

“The Queensferry Crossing is a symbol of a confident, forward-looking Scotland and – as well as providing a vital transport connection for many years to come – it is a truly iconic structure and a feat of modern engineering.”

Malcolm Roughead, chief executive of VisitScotland, said: “Scotland will celebrate a moment in history on September 4 as the Queensferry Crossing is officially opened by HM The Queen.

“At this unique moment, the country will become the world’s first destination to have three bridges spanning three centuries in one stunning location.

“It is a time to not only celebrate Scotland as a nation of pioneering innovation, design and engineering, but also give thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to create this unique new structure.”