A search has been launched by Transport Scotland to name Scotland’s biggest infrastructure project in a generation.

Members of the public are being asked by Transport Minister Keith Brown to find a new name for the Forth Replacement Crossing.

Suggestions will be accepted up until the end of January, 2013, after which point an independent panel will create a shortlist and open it up to a final public vote before the name is announced in the Summer of 2013.

Minister Brown was speaking at the introductory meeting of the new panel in Rosyth on Tuesday.

"We fully recognise that finding an appropriate name for the new bridge is a matter of considerable interest both locally and nationally," he said.

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"It is absolutely right then that the people of Scotland have the final say on the identity of this historic project.

"Along with members of the independent panel, we look forward to seeing the many creative and inspiring names the Scottish people submit."

The panel will consist of independent civic, business and community representatives from across Scotland. It met yesterday for the first time in preparation for creating the shortlist of names for a public vote in 2013 to decide the permanent name given to the bridge when it opens in 2016.

Hamira Khan, chief executive of the Scottish Youth Parliament, is one of the panel members. She said: "We look forward to ensuring the views of young people are taken into account during this process so the new name truly reflects the wishes of the people of Scotland."

Her colleague on the panel, Jan Short from North Queensferry Community Council, added: "The building of this bridge is an historic event in the life of a village which is already steeped in history. The new bridge is very significant to the village of North Queensferry in many ways and it is important that we are represented on the Bridge naming Advisory Panel."

Suggestions can be posted online www.namethebridge.co.uk or by calling 0845 259 1113.

(IT)