The Forth Bridge

The Forth Rail Bridge, opened in 1890 is often called 'one of the seven wonders of the modern world'. The bridge was the biggest manmade construction of it's time and the first bridge to be constructed of steel. Designed by Benjamin Baker, the bridge took 7 years to build and cost Ł3 million. 5000 workers were employed in the construction, of which 57 died - a remarkable safety record of the time!

Many legends surround the bridge - the most famous being the story recounting how the bridge requires continuous painting - work begins at one end and by the time the other end is reached it is time to begin again. Another legend is that of the mysterious golden rivet - apparently a single solid gold rivet was used somewhere on the bridge, amongst the other 6.5 million ordinary rivets - rumour has it though, that it was removed to stop foolhardy treasure hunters risking their lives in search of it.

In the shadow of the bridge, on the north side, lies one of Scotland's most popular visitor attractions, Deep Sea World. Here visitors can walk through a transparent tunnel beneath the main aquarium, encountering giant lobsters, stingrays and sharks.