A RARE opportunity to get to know one of West Fife's most iconic landmarks up close is being offered next month.

There will be guided tours of the Forth Road Bridge, including a visit to to one of the anchorage chambers, which are usually closed to the public.

The free event will involve hour-long minibus tours leaving from the bridge office in South Queensferry every 15 minutes as part of their 'Doors Open Day', held on September 24.

BEAR Scotland are hosting the trips, which include access to parts of the structure which are normally hidden from view, in a bid to raise money for their national charity partner, the Scottish SPCA.

A charity raffle is also planned to give visitors the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime trip for two to the top of the bridge’s main towers.

Andy Thompson, BEAR Scotland’s operating company representative for South-East Scotland, said: "We’re delighted to be able to welcome visitors back to the Forth Road Bridge on Doors Open Day after having to close our doors during the pandemic.

"Our guided minibus tours will give the public a rare chance to visit parts of this famous bridge normally hidden from view, and to hear from experienced members of staff who have worked on the structure for many years.

"We’re also pleased to be raising money for a great cause in the Scottish SPCA. Everyone who attends on the day will have the chance to enter a charity raffle to experience the incredible view from the top of one of the bridge’s main towers.

"The exhibition in the Contact and Education Centre will also be open – so please put the date in your diaries and come along on Saturday 24 September to find out more about all three of these amazing bridges."

Places on the tours are limited so advanced booking is recommended by emailing doorsopenday@bearscotland.co.uk, specifying whether you prefer to visit in the morning or afternoon.

The Forth Bridges exhibition at Transport Scotland’s Contact and Education Centre will also be open to the public from 9am until 5pm, featuring special exhibits and educational activities.

Advance booking is not necessary for the exhibition, or to simply take a walk across the bridge.

Doors Open Days is Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates heritage and the built environment and offers free access to more than one thousand venues across the country each September.