For years we have been watching this beautiful bridge take shape, linking Fife to West Lothian over the river Forth, just West of Edinburgh. It was built close to the old 53 year old Forth Road Bridge, which is closed for the time being for repairs but will reopen in November for public transport links.
So on Saturday I had the thrill of driving over it for the first time. From afar I always likened it to fine harp strings, dainty and fragile. But close up, the reality of the strength and power of each steel strut is revealed.
It was a lovely smooth crossing on what seemed like a very slim and chic piece of bridge engineering, and I thoroughly enjoyed it and marvelled at the skill and strength needed to produce it.
There are currently many teething problems, with chaotic traffic jams in surrounding areas as commuters clash with sightseers, and new roads are still under construction to feed it, but I'm sure this bridge will become as iconic to Scotland as the kilt and bagpipes!
Anne