Newport and Wormit villagers look forward to looking back

Norwegian veteran Knut Olsen, accompanied by Brigadier Tom Guttormsen, visited Woodhaven last year

The exhibition, which will be staged in the Blyth Hall, is the first of its kind for 11 years.

It’s been staged four times in the past, most recently in 2005, when more than 2000 visitors attended.

“The exhibition will provide a fascinating insight into our past, into activities and ways of life long gone, but not quite forgotten, “ said organiser Mairi Shiels.

“Our aim is to keep these memories alive.

“On previous occasions, the exhibitions have turned into hugely successful social events, with visitors coming from far and wide, and very often meeting acquaintances not seen for years.”

The exhibition traces almost all aspects of the history of Newport and Wormit using photographs, film clips, reference books and memorabilia accumulated over the 26 years since it was first held.

Topics include the Tay Ferries, which ran until the opening of the Tay Road Bridge in 1966; the community’s enduring relationship with the Norwegian 333 Squadron, formed in 1942; the Mars training ship, which was moored in the Tay for 60 years and, of course, the infamous Tay Rail Bridge disaster, in which some 75 people perished.

With its position on the opposite shore of the Tay from Dundee, Newport-on-Tay quickly developed in the 19th century into a dormitory suburb of Dundee, yet one which has always remained a river apart.