The Tay Road Bridge has officially turned 60

The Tay Road Bridge has been part of Dundee life for 60 years (Picture: Shahbaz Majeed)

60 years ago today, Dundee changed forever when, on 18 August 1966, the Queen Mother officially opened the Tay Road Bridge, designed by William A Fairhurst.

Six decades later, it’s difficult to imagine Dundee without it. Millions of journeys have been made across the Tay since that opening day - journeys to work, trips to see family and friends, days out, holidays and countless everyday crossings between Dundee and Fife.

The plaque which was installed to mark the opening (Picture: Dundee Museum of Transport)

But the Tay Road Bridge is more than simply a way of getting from one side of the river to the other. It has become part of Dundee’s identity; a familiar sight that generations have grown up with and a landmark that tells you when you’re almost home.

And arguably, it’s responsible for creating one of the greatest views in Scotland.

Coming across the bridge towards Dundee and watching our skyline unfold in front of you - the Law rising above the city, the waterfront stretching along the Tay and Dundee sitting proudly on the river - is a view that never gets old.

The Tay Road Bridge opened on this day in 1966 (Picture: Craig Doogan)

A huge thank you also has to go to the incredible team who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the Tay Road Bridge running safely and smoothly every single day.

Their dedication, skill and hard work often go unseen, but they are the reason this vital connection continues to serve us all. They are true heroes, and they deserve to be recognised and thanked for everything they do.

The city around it has changed enormously over the past 60 years, but the bridge has remained a constant through it all, connecting communities on both sides of the Tay and welcoming millions of people into Dundee.

Here’s to the Tay Road Bridge at 60 - an engineering achievement, a Dundee icon, a vital lifeline, and for so many of us, part of the journey home.