'Landmark' for Forth Replacement Crossing project

More than 1,000 jobs are being supported by the building of the new bridge

The project to build a new bridge over the Firth of Forth has reached a "landmark moment", according to Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

The Forth Replacement Crossing is the biggest transport infrastructure project in Scotland for a generation.

Ms Sturgeon visited the project's Rosyth dockyard site on Monday.

She saw the huge sections which are being craned out on to Beamer Rock as part of work on the foundation for the bridge's central tower.

The first of the 10 sections is being lowered into position.

Engineers described it as the most critical stage of the building project, as any mistakes could have huge consequences.

'Landmark moment'

The lighthouse on Beamer Rock was removed last year so that the rock can be used as a foundation for one of the towers.

Huge sections that make up the foundation of the central tower are being lowered on to Beamer Rock

Construction of the bridge began in 2011 and is due to be completed in 2016.

Ms Sturgeon said: "It was a privilege to visit the biggest transport infrastructure project in Scotland for a generation at such an exciting landmark moment.

"We have around 1,200 people working on the project site, which doesn't include the significant number of people working for the 300-plus Scottish firms currently working in the subcontracting and supply chain for the project.

"This is clear evidence that the project is creating jobs for Scotland and benefiting the local and national economy."