The Forth Bridge is being celebrated at the National Library of Scotland with a special free display marking its construction.
When it opened 125 years ago, it had the longest cantilever bridge span in the world and was the first major construction in Britain to be built of steel.
The National Library is displaying many items from its collections to tell the remarkable story of the bridge’s eight-year-long construction which involved 4,600 workers at the peak of activity.
The items range from detailed plans and photographs of the construction to an original copy of the menu that was served to guests at the royal opening.
Work on the bridge was often a dangerous enterprise with men dangling on ropes to work on the structure.
Falls were common, resulting in one safety measure being introduced.
Boats patrolled underneath the site to rescue anyone who fell but this did not prevent fatalities.
At least 57 deaths are recorded although this is thought to underestimate the true number.
The bridge has its origins in the Forth Bridge Railway Act of 1873 when construction was authorised to a design by railway engineer Thomas Bouch.
He had designed the Tay Bridge which opened in 1878.
However, a section of the bridge collapsed in a gale the following year, ending Bouch’s involvement in the Forth Bridge.