Fun in the sun at Tay Road Bridge

CELEBRATION: Hundreds gather to mark crossing’s 50th anniversary

Hundreds celebrated the Tay Road Bridge’s 50th anniversary in the sun yesterday.

Crowds flocked to Slessor Gardens to enjoy the family fun activities, which included leather-clad wrestlers, musical performances and men on stilts.

The celebration offered visitors various cultural and informative public stalls.

Dundee Lord Provost Bob Duncan was present at the event along with Chris Law MP and a number of city councillors.

One man not present, however, was musical entertainer Andy Lothian who hosted three days of concerts in Dundee’s Caird Hall when the Tay Road Bridge first opened.

Andy’s production company, Alp Records, produced Peter and Alison’s Highway over the Sea in honour of the structure.

Speaking ahead of the day, Andy said: “It certainly does not feel like 50 years.

“I was given the opportunity by the then Lord Provost, the fondly remembered Dr Maurice McManus, to promote three days of Caird Hall concerts in honour of the event.

“At the time I was also promoting ceilidhs and dances on behalf of the pirate radio station, Radio Scotland, and involved them in the celebrations.

“As seven of the starring artists had achieved at least one top 10 hit, the four concerts on the Friday and Saturday were almost virtual sell-outs.

“It was a great experience.”

Pictures: Alan Richardson. Cast members of Downfield Musical Society’s Annie took their buckets to join Oor Wullie at Slessor Gardens. They also appeared on stage to give a taste of the show.

Chaplain Chic Lidstone, Lord Provost Bob Duncan, Fife Provost Jim Leishman and others honour the workers who died during construction of the bridge.

David Swinfen shows his Teal Type 35 tourer to Jonny Murray. Below: Ava Thomson, 5, and Joshua Gill, 4, enjoy their ice creams.

Tayside Harley-Davidson owners.