A couple from West Lothian will remember their trip to the top of the Forth Bridge after getting engaged during a charity event.

Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been raised for Scotland’s leading children’s charity Barnardo’s who hosted their annual Your View event, allowing members of the public one of the most sought-after and unique experiences in the country.

The charity event gives people the chance to ascend 361 feet up the historic Forth Bridge and enjoy an uninterrupted 360-degree panoramic view of the Edinburgh and Fife coastline.

Now in its sixth year, another 900 lucky people travelled from all across the world to take part - including visitors from New Zealand, Australia, USA, Canada, Denmark and Portugal.

However, one couple has more than just the views to remember the trip.

Connor Robertson 31, from Armadale, in West Lothian popped the question to Laura Dowds, 34 once they reached the top of the bridge. The couple met in 2020, and Laura admitted that she had no idea that she would be engaged by the time she set foot back on terra firma.

She said: “The proposal was a complete surprise! Connor didn’t even tell me that we were doing the bridge viewing until we arrived in the car park, so the whole day was a pleasant surprise from start to finish.

“I was stunned to say the least; I couldn’t believe my eyes seeing him down on one knee! The amazing photographer managed to capture lots of snaps of our special moment, too, and we are so grateful to have these fantastic memories.

“We don’t have a date for the wedding yet, as I’m going to let Connor recover from all the work he put into the proposal! But it will be local and hopefully in the next year. We’re so excited for this exciting new chapter.”

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(Image: Barnardo's) More than 6,000 visitors in total have now experienced the event and there have been no fewer than ten marriage proposals on the vertiginous viewing platform since 2017. The event has now raised more than £375,000 to fund the work of Barnardo’s Scotland.

Barnardo’s Scotland intends to use the funds raised to continue to deliver employability support in 12 local authority areas across Scotland from five hubs in Aberdeen, Inverness, Dundee, Edinburgh, and Paisley.

Martin Crewe, Director of Barnardo’s Scotland, said: “Your View proved once again to be a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for those lucky enough to secure a ticket. We want to thank all of those who joined us over the weekend as this is a crucial fundraiser for Barnardo’s Scotland as we continue to support children, young people and their families throughout the country.

“Your View would not be possible without the generosity of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, and I wish to thank both organisations and our wonderful volunteers for making this special weekend happen. And I very much would like to congratulate Laura and Connor for their historic moment.”

Along with the proposal, Laura said that the couple thoroughly enjoyed their Your View experience.

She added: “Your View was one of the best things we’ve done together – getting to be up on top of the bridge and taking in some of the most amazing sights. I’d recommend it to anyone.

“The volunteers were amazing, too, from getting history about the bridge being built, to the friendly and helpful staff joining you as you make your way up in the hoist.

“It was a day we will never forget. Barnardo’s is an incredible charity and we’re over the moon that all of the money from tickets goes straight towards the great work that they do.”