This photograph, taken at low tide, shows one of the single column supports for the old bridge on the waterline. Other supports can be seen in the background in between the columns of the new bridge.

Tay Rail Bridge and the footing of the old bridge

I can not go without passing reference to a piece of stonework built into the pavement a little way down river from the bridge. The words of McGonagall's* poem The Tay Bridge Disaster are carved into the stones.

Beautiful Railway Bridge of the Silv'ry Tay!
Alas! I am very sorry to say
That ninety lives have been taken away
On the last Sabbath day of 1879,
Which will be remember'd for a very long time.

For the full script and more on the disaster try McGonagall On-line

* McGonagall, often quoted, is considered the worst poet in the world and may offend readers of cultured dispositions. He would be considered today a worthy member of the Tartan Army - gawonyersel big man!