Halcrow blueprints build a bridge to the past

Halcrow blueprints build bridge to past Engineering consultancy Halcrow has purchased the original plans of the Forth Rail Bridge, linking the company back to its 19 th century origins.

The drawings were used by engineer Patrick Meik. It was his father Thomas Meik who founded Halcrow in the 19th century.

The documents are to be kept in the company’s current offices in Edinburgh, a short distance from Thomas Meik’s original office in York Place.

Patrick Meik, as resident engineer was tasked with supervising the extensive piers and foundation works of the Forth Rail Bridge. He inherited his father’s skill and dedication and earned his reputation for constructing harbours such as those in Bo’ness and Burntisland.

The plans include a four-page set of the “Forth Bridge Railway”, drawn up by chief designer Sir Benjamin Baker in 1881. There were maps of the full line from Edinburgh to Fife, plus contract drawings containing 26 detailed plans of the bridge structure from 1882. Also included were several pencil sketches and ink annotations clearly marked “Mr. Meik’s copy”.

Head of Halcrow’s Edinburgh office, Ron Beard said:

“The Forth Bridge must be considered one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements and even now, 115 years after it was completed, it is still a marvel. These drawings are meticulously crafted and extremely rare and, considering Halcrow’s heritage, we are proud to have been able to acquire part of our own and indeed Scotland’s engineering history.

“The Forth Bridge is renowned worldwide and without such designs, Halcow would not be the company it is today. Our worldwide reputation for engineering is built on the back of the work carried out by Thomas Meik and his sons Patrick and Charles during the 1800s.”

George Pettigrew, regional managing director for Scotland, commented:

“I think it is important that plans like these are kept in Scotland where they will be valued and cherished by people like minded to those who drew them up all those years ago. 115 years after the Forth Bridge was completed, Halcrow is still involved in rail, road, sea and air transport and development projects in Scotland. Our vision is that some of our work will remain as highly regarded and as iconic as the Forth Bridge over 100 years from now.”

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