Refurbishment of the 80-foot bridge began in March after £250,000 of funding was received from Historic Scotland, The Heritage Lottery Fund and Dundee City Council.

Over a century of corrosion to the ironwork and beams meant that without the work the bridge might have reached such a state of disrepair that it would have had to be removed altogether.

Along with the piper, today’s ceremony was also attended by Richard McCready, convener of Dundee City Council’s leisure, arts and communities committee, who cut a ribbon to mark the occasion.

Councillor McCready said, “The Hird Bridge has for a long time been a landmark that is well used by the people of Dundee enjoying a walk in Balgay Park.

“The repairs have been far more than just cosmetic, and will go a long way to ensuring that it stands for another 130 years.”

The bridge was originally erected in 1879 and includes skilled ironwork featuring the city’s arms and floral finials. It takes its name from one of the then Town Council’s Engineering Department staff, who helped to design the structure in 1872.

The nearby Mills Observatory will also be celebrating the history of the bridge and, for the next fortnight, photographs and information on the bridge’s redevelopment will be on display there, alongside drawings from a competition by primary school pupils.