Queensferry Passage
Fleet of Ferries -
“Robert The Bruce”
“Queen Margaret”
“Mary Queen of Scots”
“Sir William Wallace”
Timetable:- Summer Service – Very Frequent Service
Winter Service – 20 Minute Frequency.
First Boat from North Queensferry …. 6.45a.m.
Last Boat from North Queensferry .... 11.10p.m.
First Boat from South Queensferry … 7.10a.m.
Last Boat from South Queensferry ... 11.30p.m.
Telephone: South Queensferry 253
Manager – R. A. Mason.
Fleet of Ferries -
“Robert The Bruce”
“Queen Margaret”
“Mary Queen of Scots”
“Sir William Wallace”
Timetable:- Summer Service – Very Frequent Service
Winter Service – 20 Minute Frequency.
First Boat from North Queensferry …. 6.45a.m.
Last Boat from North Queensferry .... 11.10p.m.
First Boat from South Queensferry … 7.10a.m.
Last Boat from South Queensferry ... 11.30p.m.
Telephone: South Queensferry 253
Manager – R. A. Mason.
Ferries Queen Margaret and Robert The Bruce at Hawes Pier South Queensferry, on 21st August 1964. Two weeks later the Road Bridge was opened for traffic and brought the Queensfery Passage to an end. Image QHG Archives ©
In the early 1960’s even with four ferries offering a 15 minute service, delays of up to 3 hours were common during the Summer months. Cars often made a 30 mile detour by Kincardine rather than wait in the queue.
To ease parking on the ferries, there was a powerful turntable mid-ships.
The ferries were double bowed, whichever end pointed in the direction of travel was regarded as the front of the boat.
The overhead mid-ships bridge allowed ample clearance for furniture vans.
The 1960’s ferries were Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, Queen Margaret and Robert the Bruce. Robert the Bruce was the world’s first all welded ship.
A hearse was charged at 10/- .
A corpse was charged at 12/6p.
Often coffin lids were not screwed down to indicate the coffin was empty – which saved the undertaker the additional charge for the corpse.
To ease parking on the ferries, there was a powerful turntable mid-ships.
The ferries were double bowed, whichever end pointed in the direction of travel was regarded as the front of the boat.
The overhead mid-ships bridge allowed ample clearance for furniture vans.
The 1960’s ferries were Mary Queen of Scots, William Wallace, Queen Margaret and Robert the Bruce. Robert the Bruce was the world’s first all welded ship.
A hearse was charged at 10/- .
A corpse was charged at 12/6p.
Often coffin lids were not screwed down to indicate the coffin was empty – which saved the undertaker the additional charge for the corpse.
Image Linlithgow Gazette 2002
The Forth Bridge was opened by the Queen on 4th September 1964.
On September 1964, the Ferry Queen Margaret made the final crossing (invited passengers only).
The only ferry to escape the breakers yard was William Wallace – she went to Holland then Switzerland and was broken in Ghent in 1970.
On September 1964, the Ferry Queen Margaret made the final crossing (invited passengers only).
The only ferry to escape the breakers yard was William Wallace – she went to Holland then Switzerland and was broken in Ghent in 1970.
Forth Road Bridge under construction 1964. Image QHG Archives ©
© Queensferry History Group 2016
