THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE.

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The South Portland Street Bridge was the first purpose built pedestrian bridge to cross the River Clyde.
In 1833 the original bridge of wooden construction was built to link the city with Portland Street on the south side of the river.
Over the years it gradually deteriorated and in 1846 the bridge became unsafe to use.
It was decided that work should be started on the new wrought-iron suspension bridge.
Designed by engineer George Martin and architect Alexander Kirkland, it was paid for by the heritors of Gorbals.
By 1853, the 410ft long suspension bridge was completed. However the construction work proved not to be of the best with one of the masonry towers splitting and later the supporting iron chains were also found to be defective.
In 1871, because of the constant need for repairs, the bridge was largely reconstructed by engineering firm Bell & Miller.
To-day the bridge, which is usually just referred to as the suspension bridge, spans the river in direct contrast to the far more solid construction of more than a dozen other bridges that cross the Clyde.
At night the bridge is beautifully lit up and over the years has become a very popular scene for film and television programmes made in the city.

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