Barry Colford, who works on the Forth Road Bridge, was given the prestigious industry award in recognition of career excellence and a significant contribution to the field of civil engineering.

ICE is an influential body representing 80,000 civil engineers across the world who design, build and maintain transport, water, energy, waste and flood infrastructure.

Barry was presented with his Fellowship certificate by ICE president professor David Balmforth at a special ceremony held at the institution’s headquarters in London’s Westminster.

Barry said that he became an engineer after observing the Erskine Bridge being built while he was camping as a child.

He continued, “Civil engineering seemed to combine everything I wanted to do – to design and supervise bridges, dams and buildings seemed exciting and challenging. When I realised that civil engineering also covered water supply and treatment, geotechniques and even designing oil rigs, I was well and truly hooked!” Barry’s career highlight to date has been leading the ground-breaking work to investigate and determine the loss of strength in the main cables of the Forth Road Bridge.

Sara Thiam, ICE Scotland regional director, said, “Gaining an ICE Fellowship is an exceptional achievement and I warmly congratulate Barry on joining an elite group of civil engineers. This highly-respected accolade recognises a significant contribution to the civil engineering profession and seniority in the industry.”