It was a happy 49th birthday to the Forth Road Bridge on Wednesday.
And as the smoke clears from the last candle on its birthday cake, the countdown has begun to next year’s celebration of not only its half century, but the unique position the river holds globally, with its three bridges spanning three centuries.
VisitScotland chairman Mike Cantlay outlined that 2014 was “just the start” of celebrations 2015 is the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge and then 2016 sees the new crossing opening.
From September 4 to 13 the first Forth Bridges Festival will span the communities on either side of the Forth.
Organisers of the 10-day festival the Forth Estuary Transport Authority, and Queensferry Ambition will also extend a hand of welcome to the world, and is hoping more than 100,000 people will join in the party.
A key event in Homecoming Scotland, one of the more unusual events sees the bridge being placed under lock and key following in the tradition of lovers’ bridges around the world, the public will be able to buy padlocks to lock on to the bridge.
There will also be a flotilla on the Forth, a house party at Hopetoun House, a rowing regatta, a torchlight procession, haunted walks, the rowing, fireworks and of course, the ultimate tour for 2014 lucky people up to the top of the road bridge.
Scotland will also attempt to create a Guinness World Record for the largest sit down outdoor lunch.