The Tay Bridge

This bridge is significant in my life. I view it from my house and pass it almost every day.

Here is some of the information which is written on a plaque nearby:

Between the piers of the current railway bridge are the old stumps of it's predecessor, which was designed by Sir Thomas Bouch. The official opening took place on 31st May 1878. Unfortunately the bridge suffered a catastrophic accident on the night of 28th December 1879. In the midst of a storm with winds estimated at force 10 or 11, the high girders, built to allow ships access up river to Perth, collapsed, taking with them a passenger train and 75 lives were lost.

The cause of the accident seemed to hinge around poor design, poor quality materials and insufficient maintenance, amongst other factors. This, coupled with an under-estimation of the force of the winds in the area, meant the bridge was doomed from the outset - it was just a matter of time before it fell.

The present bridge, designed by William Barlow and built by William Arrol & Co., opened on 20th June 1897. It is still today, the longest rail bridge over water in Europe.