Restored Royal Border Bridge railway sign in Berwick unveiled by Lord Beith

The Berwick-upon-Tweed Preservation Trust identified the iconic sign as a worthy project for conservation after it had been removed during an overhaul of the viaduct by Network Rail in 2023.

It was much depleted by rust and in very poor condition.

The Trust negotiated with Network Rail to take ownership of the steel sign and subsequently obtained planning consent from Northumberland County Council to re-site it after full restoration beneath the viaduct at Tweedmouth.

It was recently unveiled by Lord Beith in the presence of the Mayor and Sheriff of Berwick, trustees and guests.

Lord Beith said: “The opening of the magnificent Royal Border Bridge was, despite the brevity of Queen Victoria’s visit, an event of great importance to both England and Scotland, linking up the railway system.

“For years it was identified by a stylish sign and I am delighted that the sign has been rescued, restored and relocated close to the bridge for future generations to see.”

Beside a public footpath and adjacent to the piers of the viaduct, the restored sign is visible from the Royal Tweed (road) Bridge and the New Road along the north bank of the Tweed.

The River Tweed Trail, which is due for completion in 2028, will result in added prominence for the sign and the viaduct itself.

Angus Hamilton, speaking for the trust and responsible for project management, said: “This sign is one of a family of distinctive in style railway signs naming buildings, stations and places of interest along the East Coast railway between London and Inverness.

“Securing the life of the sign will give residents and visitors to Berwick a clear identity for Robert Stephenson’s impressive bridge that has linked London and Edinburgh by rail since 1850.”

To restore the sign, the trust appointed steel fabricators Fabvent, based in Spittal, to fully overhaul the sign, stitch-weld repairs and arrange for the metalwork to be galvanised and repainted.

Fabvent also constructed two new concrete bases, carefully installing the sign beneath the viaduct without impinging on the masonry.

Also included is an information plate describing the project for users of the footpath.

Craig Nisbet, managing director of Fabvent, commented that “this has been a challenging and interesting specialist conservation project which has allowed us to demonstrate our ability to undertake this kind of work and which gives this sign a well-deserved new lease of life”.

He added: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Preservation Trust and Network Rail to bring this about.”

Local county councillor Georgina Hill, who has supported the relocation, said: “The Royal Border Bridge is not only a celebrated local landmark, but is of national renown.

“I applaud the brilliant work of the Preservation Trust in saving and restoring this sign of historic and cultural significance.”

Matty Cain, Network Rail project management assistant, said: “When work was undertaken on the bridge, a new replacement sign was installed for rail passengers while the original sign was made available for restoration.

“We’re pleased to have worked with the Preservation Trust to help preserve this important piece of Berwick’s railway history, part of the rich heritage of the East Coast Main Line, for future generations.”