Petition to rename Queensferry Crossing after Alex Salmond gains more than 2,000 signatures

The former First Minister died of a heart attack aged 69 while attending a conference in North Macedonia on October 12, with his death having shocked the political world.

Now, more than 2,000 people have signed a petition rename the Queensferry Crossing to ‘The Alex Salmond Bridge’ in honour of Mr Salmond who was First Minister from 2007 until 2014.

The Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017 | Third Party

Launched by Dave Llewellyn, the petition states: “Alex Salmond was responsible for the largest capital infrastructure project in Scotland in the building of the Queensferry Crossing. As a memorial to him and his accomplishments in Scottish politics it should be renamed The Alex Salmond Bridge.” 

The £1.35bn Queensferry Crossing opened in 2017, becoming the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world.

Four years earlier, a public vote to name the bridge was held and attracted around 7,600 suggestions and more than 37,000 votes. Alex Salmond would later confirm the bridge’s name as the Queensferry Crossing in June 2013 after the proposal received over 12,000 votes.

Speaking in 2013, Mr Salmond said: “The Queensferry Crossing is a bridge to the future. When complete, it will take its place alongside the other iconic bridges, while safeguarding and improving a vital connection in the country’s transport network.”

In response to the new petition, dozens of residents have left comments in favour of renaming the 1.7-mile crossing, with one stating the Queensferry Crossing was one of Mr Salmond’s ‘many great achievements while in office and deserving of his name’.

One said: “Alex Salmond dedicated his life to Scotland and it was under his watch this was started. He is a son of Scotland.”

Another added: “He was the man in charge and who made sure it was built on time and within budget.”

A third said: “Alex did an incredible amount for Scotland, he always had our betterment as his first priority. He deserves to be honoured and remembered for his achievements.”