Ballot for Queensferry Crossing experience closes

The online ballot to select the 50,000 people who will get to partake in forthcoming opening celebrations has now closed and the lucky entrants that have been selected will find out they have a place in just a weeks time. 

The ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity has attracted 82,198 separate ballot entries, comprising a total of over 226,000 individuals.

The random selection process to choose the 50,000 is now underway and those who are selected will be asked to confirm their attendance within 48 hours. 

Organisers expect the process to be concluded by no later than July 13 for the event that will take place on September 2 and 3. 

The vast majority (97 per cent) of entrants have Scottish addresses with 51 per cent hailing from the postcodes most directly neighbouring the bridge. Some 5,180 individuals entered have postcodes from elsewhere in the UK and the remaining 437 hail from the rest of the world, including the United States, India and one single entrant from Slovakia.

Meanwhile, preparations for a further Official Opening event are being made and will be announced when finalised.

Economy Secretary Keith Brown said:“We’re delighted with the response to the Queensferry Crossing Experience, it really proves just how strongly the new bridge has captured the imagination of the public in the past decade of consultation, development and construction.

“The process to randomly select the lucky 50,000 is now underway and we would ask everyone who has entered to keep their eyes on their email inboxes as, if selected, you only have 48 hours to confirm your attendance.

“It is also pleasing to see the large amount of ballot entries hailing from local postcodes which should ensure local communities are well represented over the weekend.

“To have a walking event of this scale is fantastic for all those successful in the ballot, providing a close up view of the impressive new crossing and a unique way for people to be physically active.”