ONE couple’s romantic declaration has sparked a new platform for lovers on the parapet of the Forth Road Bridge.

A padlock declaring ‘Jim loves Paula’ was placed on the bridge some months ago and was removed shortly after.

However, the mystery couple’s statement of love has been reinstated as part of the Forth Bridges Festival with the launch of ‘Mark Your Spot’, where lovers are invited to lock their love on the famous bridge.

‘Jim loves Paula’ is now the first love lock to appear on a specially created panel on the parapet of the east footpath beside the south tower.

Many more are expected to follow, as couples show their commitment to the world with a personally-engraved padlock.

In a partnership with LoveLocks UK Ltd, specially produced heart-shaped locks with no keys are available to order via the Forth Road Bridge and Forth Bridges Festival websites.

The locks cost £15 each, including engraving and shipping, and will remain as a permanent fixture. A total cost of £3.46 for every lock purchased will be donated to local good causes in the vicinity of the Forth Road Bridge.

Chris Waite, communications manager at the Forth Road Bridge, said, “We have no idea who Jim and Paula are but we do know they love each other, and we respect that, so we stored their padlock until the appropriate time.

“People everywhere have a special affinity with our bridge and we welcome anyone who wants to take this special opportunity to make a very personal statement with their own unique memento.

“However, to protect the integrity of the structure, only love locks placed on the designated panels will be allowed to remain in place – padlocks found anywhere else on the bridge will be removed.” ‘Mark Your Spot’ is one of the highlights of the Forth Bridges Festival, which takes place from 4th-13th September this year to celebrate the 50th birthday of the Forth Road Bridge.

The festival is one of the signature events in the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014.