Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 14 on 2/5/2004.

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Forth rail bridge

The fourth celebrity to pick a favourite place in his homeland is writer Iain Banks, with words and pictures by photographer Andy Hall

If asked to name Scotland’s most identifiable landmark, the Forth Rail Bridge would be near the top of many people’s lists.

On any journey to Edinburgh from the North, one that I make regularly, you cannot fail to be impressed by this wonderful feat of engineering.

The two photographic features I wanted to fulfil with the picture were to take it in afterglow, after the sun had set, which would accentuate the pattern of the structure in silhouette, and also to have an interesting foreground.

Rock pools provide excellent foregrounds. Not only do they add depth, as any well chosen foreground will do, but they provide colour in the form of reflection.

There is always a variety of shapes to be found. This particular shot was taken in August after a beautiful evening driving through the Borders.

Although I wanted to take the shot from North Queensferry, where Iain lives, there was a lot of work taking place on the bridge and I could not get access to the position I needed so this shot was taken from South Queensferry, a beautiful village on the edge of the Forth.

Whenever I’m there I take the opportunity to visit Donald Ford’s Photographic Gallery.

Donald was a wonderful centre forward for the Edinburgh football team Hearts in the 60s and 70s and is now a very talented and successful landscape photographer.

With Scottish football and photography being my principal passions, my visits usually coincide with losing track of time!.....

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By Andy Hall

Section : Scenic Scotland

Page number : 14