International society at the Kelpies

On 25 March, the Undergraduate International Society held a day trip to the Kelpies, the Queensferry Crossing Project and the Scottish Parliament.

Eighteen nationalities were represented in the party including Bulgaria, Brazil and Czech Republic. The first port of call to Strathclyde Alumni, Dr Andy Scott's The Kelpies. It was blessed by hospitable spring weather and the horses were majestic in the blue morning sky.

Breath-taking masterpiece. Made me feel like pitching up a tent so I can wake up every morning to behold this magnificent view.

Nimisingha Amakama, Nigeria

A short journey along the M9 took the group to the historic seaside town of South Queensferry, sitting on the shore of the River Forth and in the shadow of the three Forth bridges. The students enjoyed the panoramic views of the Forth Bridge (1890); the Forth Road Bridge (1964) before visiting the new bridge (Queensferry Crossing) which is under construction and due for completion in 2016.

A beautifully structured bridge to see in mid of its construction. Although I am not from the structural engineering the valuable knowledge I get from it increases my interest in structural engineering. It was a great experience indeed to visit the site and observe the construction process in detail.

Sadia Khan, Pakistan

Following a short visit into the North anchorage compartment of the Forth Road Bridge, the tour concluded with a visit to the Scottish Parliament.

The visit was hosted by Strathclyde Alumni and Labour MSP Margaret McCulloch and the students received a tour of the building and were able to view a parliament debate from the public gallery.

I liked the fact that there had been a brewery where the Parliament stands today and the water system used for the brewery is now the plumbing for the Parliament!

Linda Strindevall, Sweden