The construction of the Forth Replacement Crossing has reached a major milestone.

As the project continues to progress at the Rosyth dockyard site, large sections have been put in place to form the foundation for the bridge’s central tower. These sections will be the first part of the central tower structure to be put in place.

The project is currently supporting 1200 construction jobs, making this the first time the forecast employment peak has been reached since work started in summer 2011.

So far, over 300 Scottish firms are benefitting from the subcontracts awarded, while over 110 places for training and the long-term unemployed have also been generated.

Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the site yesterday and met graduates and subcontractors working on the development.

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

"It was also fascinating to learn of some of the most complex operations in the entire FRC construction process and I wish the team well over the coming weeks as the project continues apace on schedule and on budget to open as planned in 2016."

The Minister added: "Community Benefit clauses introduced by this Government mean that we will deliver an annual average of at least 90 vocational training places and positions for the long term unemployed during every year of construction, as well as providing further scope to maximise Modern Apprenticeship opportunities every year.

"Our new Sustainable Procurement Bill will enshrine even greater Community Benefit Clauses in future projects. We want to drive down the costs of tendering and are speaking to business, trade unions and those in the public sector who invest in infrastructure and buy goods and services to make sure we maximise all future opportunities. We are also keeping up pressure on the EU and UK Government in terms of calling for the consideration of economic impact to be considered in awarding tenders."

(IT)