Donations appeal for Tay Bridge disaster memorial
Campaigners raising money for a memorial to the 75 victims of the Tay Bridge disaster have made an appeal for donations.
The Tay Rail Bridge after the disaster.
- By Aileen Robertson
- Published in the Courier : 07.06.11
- Published online : 07.06.11 @ 09.32am
A monument to remember those who died in the tragedy of 1879 will cost at least £50,000 and so far the Tay Rail Bridge Disaster Memorial Trust has raised around £4000.
Towards the end of the 19th century, Dundee's jute industry was at its height. Many Fifers left their rural communities and crossed the Tay to start work there.
Trust vice-chairman Ian Nimmo White said many of those set to be remembered on the memorial were Fife-born and he urged Fifers to support the project.
"Although the majority of victims lived in Dundee, the majority were born in Fife. About 40% of the victims were born in Fife although the vast majority ended up in Dundee."
He added, "Among the victims were two young women, both aged 21 and both living in Newburgh."
Remembering victims
They were Elizabeth Milne, born in Abernethy, and Annie Spence, born in Newburgh. Their bodies were never recovered and there is no record of them on any headstone.
The memorial will mean victims like Elizabeth and Annie are finally remembered.
Mr Nimmo White said it would also provide an opportunity for school children to learn about what happened on that terrible night on December 28 more than 130 years ago.
In addition to the memorial at Riverside Drive, there are also plans to establish a monument in the Wormit area.
Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign can do so online.
12.34pm - 07.06.2011 Mike Brough - ex-Dundee, Scotland Report This
I can't believe that, in these times of financial austerity, we're asking people to waste money on this. Everyone involved in the disaster, whether directly or indirectly, is long dead - it's not as though there are living, immediate relatives who are asking for this.
12.36pm - 07.06.2011 Mike Brough - ex-Dundee, Scotland Report This
In addition, none of those involved in the disaster did anything particularly brave - they got on a train! It's not like they were members of the Black Watch who did their bit on the front lines. A memorial to what, exactly?
10.36am - 08.06.2011 Steven - Dundee, City of, Scotland UK Report This
Thankfully, I have found only support amongst Dundonian resident for this idea. Dundee's connection with the Tay rail bridge is obvious, so yes, a worthy cause - if i were to be critical it is that it should have been done long before this.
09.18pm - 29.08.2011 Lesley McLaughlin - Milnathort, Perth and Kinross Report This
As a decendent of two of the victims of the rail diasater I find it incredible that a memorial is now being planned. This helps who? This should have been erected when there were friends and relatives of the victims still alive. My family are all told the story and my relatives are not forgotten
Add a comment