HUNDREDS of visitors were able to stand on top of the Forth Bridge and raise more than £50,000 at a charity event last month.

A total of 750 visitors sold out the Your View event, run in collaboration by Network Rail, Balfour Beatty, The Briggers and Barnardo’s Scotland to raise money for the charity.

Final totals are still being calculated for the fundraiser, which ran from September 23-25, but it's estimated that it will bring in more than £50,000 for Barnardo's.

Martin Crewe, director for Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “We simply could not be more grateful to Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and The Briggers for all their support in making this event happen, and for the many volunteers from these organisations, Barnardo’s and others, working tirelessly behind the scenes all weekend to keep everything running.

“We would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone that purchased tickets to come and take part in this event – we have received some great feedback and hope that a fantastic time was had by all. The valuable funds raised will go towards Barnardo’s hardship fund, which will be providing direct support to struggling families across Scotland this winter to help with food and energy bills.”

More than 40 volunteers worked hard to ensure that members of the public had an enjoyable and memorable experience on what was the fourth Your View event. The Briggers Heritage Group told visitors about the history of the bridge before they ascended more than 360 feet to the top of the bridge.

One couple from West Lothian, Megan Crawford and Paul Ward, even got engaged on the top of the north cantilever.

Stewart Lothian, Network Rail’s structures asset manager for Scotland, said: “As custodians of this iconic structure, we were delighted once again to work with Barnardo’s and Balfour Beatty to open up the Forth Bridge to the public and raise such a fantastic sum for the charity, supporting the charity’s drive to raise funds for vulnerable children, young people and families across the local communities.

"I’d like to thank all those colleagues from Network Rail and Balfour Beatty who volunteered their time to make the event happen."

Colin Hardie, regional construction superintendent for Balfour Beatty’s Regional Scotland business, added: “We are delighted to have worked with Network Rail on this year’s volunteering event at Forth Bridge, which saw a staggering 750 people reach the peak of the impressive structure across the weekend, raising important funds for Barnardo’s.

"I’d like to send my thanks to Barnardo’s, Network Rail and all those involved for making the event such a success."