The official opening of Aberdeen’s Third Don Crossing will take place on June 9.

The £18 million bridge has been hailed as a major milestone in the city’s history and around 500 children from Danestone and Riverbank primary schools will join VIPs at the grand opening next Thursday.

Aberdeen City Council leader Jenny Laing will cut the ribbon while Lord Provost George Adam will be the first person driven over the new crossing, named Diamond Bridge.

It is hoped the new structure will slash journey times and ease congestion in the city.

Councillor Ross Thomson said: “This is a historic moment for Aberdeen. The opening of the Third Don Crossing has been 30 years coming.”

Finance, policy and resources committee convener Willie Young said: “We are in the process of delivering the biggest regeneration project in the city’s history and the Third Don is a key part of this process – a process which will see roads, housing, power, technology and culture in Aberdeen transformed for future generations.”

There is to be a second ceremony later this year, when HMS Diamond will feature for the official naming of the crossing. Details of this will be announced in due course.