The completion of the £1.35 billion Queensferry Crossing will see a host of direct benefits for Fife, according to Fife Council.
These include improved transport links, reduced commuting times and greater connectivity with the surrounding areas.
Fife’s economy and transportation committee convener Altany Craik said a key part of the local authority’s commitment to supporting the two City Deals – Edinburgh and South East Scotland and the Tay – involved driving forward additional infrastructure investment to address the connectivity needs.
According to the council, benefits of the new bridge, which will open to traffic on August 30, will improve access to key investment sites, industrial land and business parks, including Gateway Rosyth – an international port – and Queensway in Glenrothes, which is due to feature new units by the end of the year.
It is also believed that the crossing will bring a stream of new businesses looking to acquire land or properties as creating headquarters on the north shore of the Forth becomes more attractive.
It will also, it is thought, improve connectivity with Dundee.
Fife’s tourism sector will also be boosted by the opening.
The industry supports thousands of Fife jobs and the Queensferry Crossing will enable the area to build on existing opportunities, grow Fife’s cultural offering and attract visitors year round.
On the opening of the crossing, the Forth will become home to three major bridges from three consecutive centuries.
The Forth Bridges Forum’s tourism project group is progressing a tourism strategy to develop and promote the wider area to increase both domestic and international visitors.
It may also yield opportunities to diversify.
While Fife has a thriving tourism industry and agriculture, fishing and drinks industries are big business for the local economy, as are renewable energy technology and manufacturing, there is also significant potential to generate quality jobs within the food and drink, creative and cultural and digital sectors.
With tens of thousands of people having already entered a ballot to be one of the 50,000 allowed across the bridge on an open weekend, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Claire Baker is pleased the event will be a chance to fundraise for charity.
“While falling short of a full charity event, the opening of the new bridge is an ideal opportunity to raise money and awareness for charities on both sides of the Forth and throughout Scotland,” she said.
