#OTD in 1878 the first Tay Bridge opened. It had taken 7 years to complete. The bridge stretched over 3km & was the longest bridge in the world when it opened.

Of course it later became infamous when it collapsed in high winds in December 1879 & at least 60 people were killed.

Designed by Thomas Bouch, the first bridge was dangerously flawed. The lightweight lattice design did not take into account the frequent high winds over the Tay.

In 1883 a second, replacement bridge was begun. This image shows the contrast in the design of the old & new piers.