Bridgescapes - Bruce Keith Thursday 8 November 18.00

Bridgescapes - Bruce Keith Thursday 8 November 18.00

President John Kilby welcomed 2 visitors from Perth Kinnoul Rotary Club to last week’s meeting along with guest speaker, Bruce Keith. 

Bruce is a former pupil of Stirling High School and his career as a Chartered Surveyor started under the tutelage of Marshall MacCallum in Dunblane back in 1972. Bruce’s topic was his new book, “Bridgescapes”, a personal journey through history celebrating Scotland’s bridge-building heritage. He quoted Franklin D Roosevelt who said ‘There can be little doubt that in many ways the story of bridge building is the story of civilisation. By it we can readily measure an important part of a people's progress.’

With the opening of the Queensferry Crossing last year, it is apposite to celebrate the long and illustrious history of bridges within Scotland and the significant contribution Scottish engineers have made to bridges around the globe. Many of these are not only major engineering achievements, they also make a significant statement in terms of architectural design and form part of Scotland’s cultural, historic and landscape heritage.

Amply illustrated with contemporary photographs and interesting archive material, “Bridgescapes” is aimed at promoting Scotland and for those with an interest in Scottish history and geography - its people and its landscape.

Bruce captured the essence of “Bridgescapes” in his illustrated talk, and his passion for what has been a life-long interest. His father, Forbes Keith, was the Bridge Engineer in Inverness- shire whilst Bruce was a youngster, and latterly in his career was the Director of Roads with Central Regional Council.”

Nick Rawlings gave Bruce a well-deserved vote of thanks for his excellent presentation and for fielding a host of questions from members.