Queensferry Passage – History of the Forth Ferries 1934–1964

The ferries that were in use when the crossing ceased to operate in 1964 were the:-

Sir William Wallace
Robert The Bruce
Queen Margaret
Mary Queen of Scots.

Although ferries operated a long time before 1934 this website covers the period starting when on 29-01-1934 both the Robert The Bruce and the Queen Margaret were launched. These vessels were innovative in their design while the Queen Margaret had a riveted hull, the Bruce was the first ship to be completely electrically welded. Both vessels cost £22,000 to build.

Queensferry Passage Ferry Photographs – 1934–1964 - Sir William Wallace Ferry Launch

Sir William Wallace Launch

They were launched at the Leven shipyard on the River Clyde which was owned by Messer's Wm. Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton Scotland. This firm also operated the ferries up to 1964. All these ships were Diesel - Electric, Paddle Boats. The double ended design incorporated a rudder at either end which helped maneuverability. They were technically advanced for their time and more details of the technical specifications can be found in later pages. Many of the items on display in this site were in the possession of the late Captain John Penny who was the Master of the Sir William Wallace. Capt. John Penny was employed on the ferries from 1946 and was a Master of the Wallace from 1956.

Specifications of the 4 ferries:-

Queensferry Passage – History of the Forth Ferries 1934–1964.

Car Ferries that operated on the River Forth.

This website documents the history of the Queensferry Passage and the four car ferries that operated between North Queensferry and South Queensferry from 1934 until the opening of the Forth Road Bridge in 1964.