The Forth Bridge has celebrated its 125th anniversary with a Spitfire fly past, recalling one of the most historic moments in the bridge's history.

Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities Keith Brown joined primary school pupils to witness the Spitfire and RAF Typhoon fly above the bridge at 13:25 to mark its anniversary.

The celebration was themed on the Forth Bridge Raid, which occurred months before the bridge's 50th anniversary on October 16 1939. The attack was the German Luftwaffe's first on Britain and the first time the RAF's Spitfire engaged in the war.

The Cabinet Secretary and pupils from the James Gillespie's Primary in Edinburgh heard an account of the raid from Ed Thomson, who witnessed the air battle from a train stalled on the bridge as a schoolboy

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, Route Managing Director for Network Rail Scotland, commented: "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 enquiries 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.

"Our charitable visits in the last week have already raised over £160,000 for good causes and over 500 people have visited the bridge. We look forward to encouraging further community events and activities during the course of this anniversary year."

(IT/JP)