Bridge Progress Praised

Ministers are praising progress on the new bridge over the Forth.

Work on the Queensferry Crossing began in September 2011, and it's due to open in 2016.

Transport Minister Derek Mackay says 2014 has been a big year for the construction which has now "started to take its place alongside its illustrious neighbours".

The south approach viaduct has now been pushed 450 metres out over the river, while the towers stand 90 metres tall. Ten percent of the bridge deck has also been installed.

Infrastructure Secretary Keith Brown says everyone can now visualise what the final bridge will look like.

He's also praising those workng on it: “Currently around 1,200 people are employed on the project and their hard work and dedication, often in a very challenging environment is to be applauded as the project remains on schedule and as announced earlier this year by the First Minister is now £195 million under the original budget at the start of construction.”