A historic Dundee landmark has been officially re-opened after a £400,000 facelift.

Linlathen East Bridge has been undergoing major refurbishment work for almost a year.

The iron bridge over the Dighty Burn north of Broughty Ferry was built in 1796, as far as records can confirm.

A mix of wrought and cast iron, it is thought to be the oldest surviving iron bridge in Scotland.

The listed bridge fell victim to deterioration over nearly a century without maintenance work.

Miller Homes agreed to pay in part for the refurbishment of the bridge as part of its development of 39 houses in the area, and Scottish Heritage boosted their contribution.


Will Dawson of Dundee City Council's city development committee officially reopened the bridge, praising those involved for their "skill" and the project's "level of detail".

Mr Dawson said: "I am delighted to see this community landmark brought back to pristine condition. The skill of the craftsmen and conservation professionals who were involved in this project shines through in the level of fit, finish and detail on this structure."

Land & Building Services removed the old timber deck and replaced missing stonework in the abutments.

The bridge was dismantled section by section with the aid of a hiab and removed to the Eura Conservation Ltd workshop for cleaning and treatment.

Repairs and restoration works to iron parapets and the structure itself were carried out where needed with minimum intervention before painting and a new deck were installed.

(NE)