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The Forth Railway Bridge
Forth Bridges Day
Sep 4
Other Scottish Country Dances for this Day
Today's Musings, History & Folklore
"Through rain and storm the bridge will stand,
From Queensferry to North Queensferry,
And Scottish pride in every hand
That raised the mighty span so sturdy."
~ The Forth Bridge Song, Ian Green, c. 1960
"May the Forth (Bridges) be with you!" Forth Bridges Day, celebrated annually on September 4th, honors the engineering triumphs of all three Forth bridges. Spanning three centuries of innovation, the Forth Bridge (1890), Forth Road Bridge (1964), and Queensferry Crossing (2017) each represent a milestone in bridge construction. These iconic structures connect Edinburgh and Fife, playing a crucial role in Scotland's transportation network. The day features events and tours that showcase the history, design, and cultural significance of these remarkable bridges, symbolizing Scotland’s enduring commitment to engineering excellence. This 10-syllable naed tribute reel for the 1890 Rail Bridge has figures which you can imagine are the sides of the railway cantilever bridge and a train chugging along its tracks! Choo-choo! 🌉 🚂
The Forth Railway Bridge Centenary Reel
The construction of the Forth Bridge, completed in 1890, was a monumental achievement in Victorian engineering. Designed by Sir John Fowler and Sir Benjamin Baker, this cantilever railway bridge spans over 1.5 miles across the Firth of Forth. At the time of its completion, it was the longest cantilever bridge in the world and a symbol of industrial innovation. Built primarily from steel, it became a vital link between Edinburgh and Fife, with its distinctive red color and intricate design making it a lasting icon of Scotland’s engineering heritage.
The Forth Road Bridge, which opened in 1964, addressed the growing demand for road traffic. This suspension bridge, spanning over 2.5 kilometers, was one of the longest of its kind at the time. Designed to carry vehicles and pedestrians, the Forth Road Bridge eased congestion from ferry services and helped boost regional economic growth. Despite its success, increasing traffic and structural wear led to the need for another solution in the 21st century.
That solution came in the form of the Queensferry Crossing, a modern cable-stayed bridge that opened in 2017. With three towers and an impressive span of over 2.7 kilometers, it was designed to support modern traffic demands and is one of the longest of its kind. The Queensferry Crossing serves as the primary road bridge today, complementing the Forth Road Bridge and continuing Scotland’s tradition of innovative bridge design across the Firth of Forth. Together, these three bridges represent over a century of engineering excellence, evolving to meet the needs of the times.
To see and learn more about a tartan tribute to the Forth Bridges, click the tartan below to visit the sister site, Curious and Unusual tartans.
Click the dance cribs or description below to link to a printable version of the dance!
