Iconic steam engine to carry rail passengers across Forth Bridge during Edinburgh Fringe Festival

An iconic steam engine is set to carry passengers across the Forth Bridge this summer.

The Scottish Railway Preservation Society Railtours announced it will offer passengers the chance to cross the UNESCO World Heritage Site hauled by steam locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley.

The engine last worked a train for SRPS Railtours in 2011.

The operator said at least five special trains will run from Edinburgh Waverley during August.

There will be two services a day running via Fife, Alloa and Stirling from Edinburgh on August 14 and 18.

One trip will see the Sir Nigel Gresley haul a train to Aberdeen on August 23.

Nigel Wilson, chairman of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust (SNGLT), believes the journey is the locomotive’s first visit to the Granite City since 1974.

SRPS Railtours and SNGLT are working with the Scottish Railway Preservation Society and Locomotive Services Ltd to provide the services.

Mr Wilson said the trust was “very pleased” to see locomotive 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley return to Aberdeen. It was based there from 1962 until 1966, when SNGLT purchased it for preservation.

“The Trust aims to make our locomotive accessible to as wide an audience as possible, and these tours will be a very special opportunity to experience a trip on the mainline network with ‘Sir Nigel’ at the front,” he added.

Alasdair Eadington, chairman of SRPS Railtours, echoed the sentiments, saying the team was “delighted” to offer the special journeys as the operator celebrates its 55th anniversary.