That grand old Victorian dame, the Forth Bridge, celebrates her 125th birthday next week and befitting of the wonder of engineering, a week-long celebration is planned, complete with a flypast.
The cantilever bridge, which is in the running to be named a Unesco World Heritage Site, was opened by the Prince of Wales on March 4 1890 and, at 1.25pm on March 4 2015, one of the most significant moments from its past will be marked by a flypast featuring a Spitfire and an RAF Typhoon.
The event will celebrate an incredible moment from the bridge’s history, when it was at the centre of the German Luftwaffe’s first raid over British soil.
Before the anniversary date itself, however, North and South Queensferry will be abuzz with celebrations.
This Sunday will see an abseil, arranged by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and supported by Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, featuring 300 fundraisers.
Running throughout the anniversary week, a Network Rail team will also be guiding 250 people to the top of the bridge.
The event, in aid of the Prince’s Trust, is expected to generate almost £40,000 for charity.
Network Rail’s Scottish route managing director David Dickson said the celebration was the culmination of a great deal of planning from a range of organisations.
The Forth Bridges Festival is coming back for a second year and the Forth Bridge Live music event is also set to return.
“We’re looking forward to an inspiring week which helps celebrate the contribution that this wonderful structure has made to our lives during its 125-year history,” added Mr Dickson.