A fly-past by a replica Spitfire and an RAF Typhoon has marked the 125th anniversary of the Forth Bridge.
The spectacle held at 1.25pm formed the centrepiece of a week of celebrations surrounding the landmark’s birthday.
The railway bridge, which first opened to the public on March 4 1890, spans the Firth of Forth from nine miles west of Edinburgh city centre to North Queensferry in Fife.
The sight of the aircraft soaring above the bridge was chosen to mark the occasion as it recalls one of the most momentous days in the history of the structure.
In pictures:Forth Bridge under construction
Bridge bosses themed the celebrations around the Forth Bridge Raid which happened a few months before its 50th anniversary on October 16 1939, just weeks into the start of the Second World War.
The raid was the German Luftwaffe’s first attack on Britain and the first timethe RAF’s Spitfire engaged the enemy.
While the objective of the attackers was the naval vessels operating from nearby Rosyth, the dogfight took place above the bridge.
Before the fly-past was held, Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown joined primary school pupils to hear an account of the raid from Ed Thomson, who as a schoolboy witnessed the air battle from a train stalled on the bridge.
Speaking at the event in South Queensferry, Mr Brown said: “Even after 125 years, the Forth Bridge is a working bridge, playing a vital role in Scotland’s transport infrastructure.
“But, of course, it represents so much more than that alone. It is a true icon of Scotland, recognised the world over. It represents a revolutionary feat of Victorian engineering and its unmistakable red girders have been synonymous with Scotland and part of our collective imagination for 125 years.
“Given the bridge’s significance, it is fitting the theme for today is the Forth Bridge Raid. A hugely historic day in the life of the country, which is perhaps still not as widely known about as it should be. After all, this was the first air attack of the Second World War and the first time Spitfire pilots fought in defence of the country.
“It was thrilling to see the Spitfire and the modern Typhoon fighter plane having their moment alongside the bridge too.”
David Dickson, of Network Rail, said: “As well as providing a vital link in the Scottish railway network, the Forth Bridge provides a constant source of fascination for people. We receive hundreds of inquiries every year from people wishing to visit.
“A huge amount of information has been written and recorded about the construction of the bridge prior to 1890 but we’d love to do more during the bridge’s 125th year to remember the contribution made to maintaining the bridge in the intervening years. The story of the Forth Bridge Raid is a dramatic example of that.”
The fly-past featured a replica Spitfire owned by Perth-based pilot Iain Hutchison while the Typhoon, based at RAF Lossiemouth, was piloted by Flight Lieutenant Ben Geal.