Hawes Pier

A Gateway Built by Engineering Genius

Hawes Pier stands as a testament to Scotland's engineering heritage, constructed around 1812 by the celebrated civil engineer John Rennie, likely in collaboration with Robert Stevenson. This Category B listed building has endured for over two centuries, its sturdy Victorian stonework weathering the tides and seasons of the Firth of Forth. Positioned almost directly beneath the iconic Forth Rail Bridge, the pier occupies a dramatic location where industrial heritage and natural landscape converge, creating a setting rich with historical significance.

The Ferry's Final Chapter

For centuries, Hawes Pier served as the vital departure point for the ferry crossing that gave South Queensferry its name. The ferry service itself traces its origins to the 11th century, when Queen Margaret established a crossing to facilitate pilgrimages to Dunfermline Abbey. This ancient connection to royalty and religious devotion transformed a simple river crossing into a named place of historical importance. The pier continued its essential function until 1964, when the opening of the Forth Road Bridge rendered the traditional ferry service obsolete, marking the end of an era that had defined the town's character and economy for nearly a thousand years.

A Hub of Local Life and Commerce

Beyond its role as a ferry terminus, Hawes Pier was embedded in the fabric of South Queensferry's community. The adjacent Hawes Inn, dating from the 17th century and featuring in Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novel Kidnapped, served as a change house for stagecoaches during the 18th century. The nearby Hawes Garage, originally constructed as stables and coach houses, evolved into Queensferry's first garage and taxi service. From the 1950s onwards, the garage became famous for providing elegant vehicles—Lagondas, Rolls Royces, and horse-drawn carriages—for the annual Ferry Fair procession, where the Ferry Fair Queen and her court paraded through town in style.

Modern Purpose and Tourist Access

Today, Hawes Pier has been reimagined for contemporary visitors. The pier now serves as a departure point for tourist boat services, including ferries to Inchcolm Island, allowing modern travelers to experience the Firth of Forth much as their predecessors did centuries ago. The location offers unobstructed views of the three Forth bridges—the historic Rail Bridge, the modern Road Bridge, and the newer Queensferry Crossing—creating a unique vantage point where three eras of engineering achievement are visible simultaneously.

Architectural Significance and Heritage Status

The pier's designation as a Category B listed building reflects its architectural and historical importance to Scotland's built heritage. Its Victorian-era construction techniques and materials have proven remarkably durable, allowing the structure to continue functioning and welcoming visitors more than two centuries after its completion. The lighthouse associated with the pier adds another layer of maritime heritage, guiding vessels through one of Scotland's busiest waterways and serving as a beacon of the region's seafaring traditions.