'Forth Bridge sheeting is an eyesore' - Rennie

11.07.18am GMT Wed 24th Jan 2007

Inspired by scaffold sheeting erected recently on St Paul's Cathedral in London, Willie Rennie is calling for a similar arrangement to be made for the Forth Bridge. During cleaning to the outside of St Paul's, special sheeting was erected which has a recreation of the façade on it, so as not to spoil the view.

As the Forth Bridge is constantly being painted at some position, Mr Rennie believes that scaffold sheeting that is a little more 'easy on the eye' would be a far better solution than the current sheeting. As it is an internationally recognised bridge, and the current refurbishment is due to last for at least two years, so the sooner an alternative solution can be arranged the better.

Willie Rennie said:

"The white sheeting that is erected on the Forth Bridge at the moment does not make for a nice view. The sheeting on St Paul's was much more in keeping with the surrounding architecture and I don't see why a similar arrangement can't be made for the Bridge.

"I want to see Balfour Beatty and Network Rail to work together and come up with a more imaginative solution, it must be possible to obtain sheeting in Forth Bridge red.

"The Bridge is constantly being re-painted, all it would take is for some sheeting of a similar colour to the Bridge to be erected and the view would be far more pleasant!"