Queensferry

Queensferry refers to the settlements of North Queensferry and South Queensferry, located on opposite shores of the Firth of Forth immediately north and west of Edinburgh, Scotland. The name derives from the historic Queen’s Ferry, a crossing across the Forth that facilitated travel and trade before modern bridges were built.

Geography and governance: North Queensferry lies in the Fife council area, while South Queensferry is part of the City of Edinburgh council area. The two communities sit at the mouth of the Firth of Forth and are linked by major transport infrastructure, forming a notable cross-Forth gateway to the capital region.

Transport and bridges: Queensferry is closely associated with the Forth bridges. The area is served by the Forth Bridge (a railway crossing) and the Forth Road Bridge (a road crossing), with the latter complemented by a newer road crossing opened in 2017. The Queensferry Crossing carries the A90 and provides a key route for traffic between Edinburgh and Fife, improving journey times and relieving congestion on older crossings.

History: The name and location reflect a long history of crossing the Forth. Ferry services operated here since medieval times, shaping settlement patterns and commerce. The construction of the rail and road bridges in the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries transformed Queensferry into a major transport and commuter hub for the region.

Economy and community: Today, Queensferry is predominantly residential, with services and tourism shaped by its waterfront setting and proximity to Edinburgh. It serves as a popular base for visitors exploring the Firth of Forth coast, the bridges, and nearby coastal and countryside routes.