NATIONAL RAILWAY HERITAGE AWARDS BEST ENTRY 2018: TAY BRIDGE

The Tay Bridge is a truly iconic structure, both in its majestic appearance (sweeping across the Firth of Tay) and in its history.

The first structure, completed with loud fanfare early in 1878, collapsed in a mighty gale just 19 months later, carrying a whole train with it. More than 70 passengers and railwaymen were lost.

The piers of this ill-fated bridge are still visible alongside its replacement - the new bridge used the same spacings between the piers, and so over 100 of the surviving girder spans were reused.

Opened in 1887, it remains an integral part of the East Coast Main Line up to Dundee and Aberdeen.

However, at privatisation, concerns were raised about its overall strength and condition. These were soon attended to, but following on came the decision to repaint the entire structure, using modern materials more suited to withstanding its very harsh exposed environment.

The opportunity was also taken to repair, refurbish or renew steelwork and fixings, so the whole project took 11 years to complete, with no disruptive possessions.

Network Rail and its contractor Taziker International went home with this prestigious award, which this year was made in memory of the late Sir William McAlpine, who had been a good friend to the railways in so many ways.