Contractors building the new Forth road bridge have paid tribute to the "heroes" who worked on the existing crossing.
The men who built the first road bridge in the 1960s worked under comparatively light health and safety regulations, using building techniques unseen anywhere outside the US at the time.
Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors (FCBC) said there is much to learn from the bridge veterans, and have pledged to maintain a relationship with them as the new bridge takes shape.
Project director Carlo Germani said: "It is a rare honour and real pleasure for everybody at FCBC to meet some of the talented people who built the new crossing's famous predecessor. Things have changed a great deal in construction over the past half-century, so we have a huge amount to learn from each other."
The workmen were traced through adverts in local newspapers and trade press. They have been given a tour of the construction site and have been briefed on the design and technical challenges involved in the new bridge.
Jim Orr, vice-convener of bridge operating company Feta, said: "It is always a privilege to meet the people who built the structure we are so proud to maintain. I think many of us take the bridge for granted nowadays but we all owe a great debt to the heroic workers who made this possible.
"Next year will see the bridge's 50th birthday and we are looking forward to welcoming back as many veterans as possible for a fitting celebration of this milestone."
Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "It was fascinating to meet with many of those who played such a pivotal role in the construction of the original bridge. They are impressive characters and have many stories to tell. Some of the challenges, such as coping with the severe weather, are still relevant today.
"They were also interested to hear about some of the advances that have been made in the past 40 years and they seemed impressed with the new exhibition at South Queensferry, which aims to capture some of the real stories behind the three different bridges that span three centuries.
"Coming hard on the heels of the new education centre opening its doors and the incredible level of public interest in the naming process, it's important that the new crossing continues to reach out to people of all ages in the community."
