ROWERS from Musselburgh made history as they joined in the celebrations as the new Queensferry Crossing was officially opened by the Queen on Monday.

Members of Eskmuthe Community Rowing Club took to the water to join a flotilla of boats on the Firth of Forth to mark the royal occasion (see image, right).

The town’s skiffs Honesty and Steedie Falconer, crewed by a dozen rowers, joined the fleet of vessels, which included more than 80 boats and 16 skiffs – two from North Bewick and one from Dunbar.

The flotilla circled un- Continued on page 2 der the new £1.35bn road bridge, the UK’s tallest, giving a rousing and noisy response as the Queen, accompanied by Prince Philip, cut the ribbon to declare it officially open - exactly 53 years after she opened the Forth Road Bridge.

Oars were raised in salute and klaxons, horns and cheers added to the atmosphere of the historic moment. This was followed by a dramatic flypast from the Red Arrows.

Georgina Brown, captain of Eskmuthe Rowing Club, later said: “This was certainly a day to remember for everyone.

“A huge thank you to Queensferry Rowing Club for organising the event. It was an amazing day and so great to see so many boats on the water and to be a part of it. Having the Red Arrows fly overhead was truly magnificent.”

The Eskmuthe Rowing Club actively encourages people to have a go at coastal rowing and rows from Fisherrow Harbour most weekends. Anyone interested in having a go should contact membership secretary David Lee at eskmuthe@gmail.com Photos courtesy of Freya Liddle and Kate Allan.