Forth Bridges Creative Trail to attract visitors
The Forth Bridges Creative Trail has unveiled its full programme for 2026, featuring more artists and venues, as well as opportunities for visitors to explore their own creativity.
A free, family-friendly community arts weekend, it will be staged on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, from 10am to 5pm, showcasing more than 35 artists and makers across 11 venues in South Queensferry, Dalmeny and Bo’ness.
The weekend includes open studios, pop up exhibitions, a children’s art competition display and workshops. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to meet the artists, learn about their creative processes and find out how they work.
This year’s expanded programme includes new venues, including The Hawes Inn and Railbridge Bistro, and 18 artists and makers joining the Trail for the first time.
There will also be a celebration of young talent with a primary school art competition, sponsored by Forth Boat Tours and Forth Bridges Forum, and a display of Queensferry High School artwork.
Visitors can explore a wide range of creative disciplines, including artists working in everything from oils, acrylics and watercolours to charcoal and pastels.
Ceramicists and jewellers will be joining in the fun too, with textiles, woodwork, photography and glass also on display.
The Trail includes some well-established local artists and makers but also encourages up and coming creatives to get involved.
Last year, the Trail attracted hundreds of visitors and received strong support from residents and local businesses alike.
Organisers have expanded marketing efforts over the past 12 months, including a new website and distribution of thousands of Trail brochures.
Juliet Russell, Trail chairwoman, said: “We are really excited about this year’s event. We’ve come a long way since last year and have been able to build on that success.
“We’re expecting the 2026 trail to attract even more visitors and create a fantastic buzz in the area.
“We’re particularly pleased to welcome more emerging artists alongside those who are already well established locally.
“The range and variety of work this year is fantastic and we can’t wait for everyone to come along and see it.
“We are a small voluntary organising team, who feel passionately about the importance of encouraging creativity in communities.
“The Forth Bridges Creative Trail has the ability to act as a catalyst in creating a sense of place, which in turn drives the vibrancy of the area.
“Community‑led arts events can transform public spaces and help social connection, local identity and economic vitality.
“We hope more local organisations and businesses will collaborate with us so we can continue to build pride and a sense of belonging, as well as having creative fun along the way.”
Access to all the studios and pop-up exhibitions is free and suitable for all ages, simply drop in and enjoy.
Workshops are chargeable and must be pre-booked at www.honeypotcreativecafe.com/forth-bridges-creative-trail-workshops.html.
Free printed booklets featuring maps and details of all the artists will be available at all venues, while stocks last.
Downloadable maps, artist profiles and venue details are also available at www.forthbridgescreative.com. The location of venues with school art displays is also on the website.
The organisers are encouraging visitors to use public transport, with the Ferry being well-connected with bus services and good rail connections to Dalmeny Station, as well as being on Routes 1 and 76 of the National Cycle Network.
However, free parking is available at Venue 1, Bankhead Steading, and Forth Replacement Crossing Contact and Education Centre.