Edinburgh thrill-seekers urged to sign up for fundraising ‘bucket list’ event for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

One of Scotland’s most thrilling fundraising events – the Forth Bridge Abseil – is back for one time only in 2025.

Daredevils in Edinburgh are being encouraged to sign up for the chance to descend from the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The event, run by Scotland’s largest health charity Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, will take place on 28th September. The charity supports the 1 in 5 people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions to live their lives to the full, and aims to reach 175,000 people per year by 2028.

Last year almost 800 braved the bridge across two events in June and October, raising over £390,000 for all participating charities.

Heather McCann, Community, Event and Corporate Fundraising Manager at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “The Forth Bridge Abseil is the biggest fundraising event of the year for us with hundreds of people taking part to abseil from this iconic location to raise funds for their chosen charity.

“This is the ultimate thrill-seeking challenge backed up with spectacular views across the Firth of Forth. We’d urge anyone looking to challenge themselves for good to sign up today.”

Alan Ross, Network Rail Scotland’s director of engineering and asset management, said: “The Forth bridge is already an iconic landmark recognised worldwide, but witnessing hundreds of brave people descend from it each year makes it even more inspiring.

“The bridge’s distinctive architecture and impressive height provide a stunning backdrop for this challenge. As custodians, it’s a privilege to offer people the chance to experience it from such a unique perspective and make unforgettable memories.

“Events like this that remind us why we do what we do – connecting people and supporting the communities we serve.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are delighted to have joined with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Network Rail once again to open the doors to the iconic Forth Bridge in 2025.

“Since it launched over 20 years ago, the Forth Bridge Abseil event has raised millions for those living with chest, heart, and stroke conditions and Long Covid. We look forward to making this year’s abseil the biggest and most successful to date.”

Entries for the Forth Bridge Abseil 2025 are now open. For more information or to sign up, visit Forth Bridge Abseil – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (chss.org.uk)