£130m of contracts for the Forth Replacement Crossing have been awarded to Scottish subcontractors, according to figures released by the Scottish government.

The latest report shows 334 Scottish subcontractors and suppliers won the work packages, worth £130m, for the new Forth Bridge.

The Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors consortium has handed out much of the work to local firms on the £1.5bn scheme.

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The government figures show that by the end of 2012, Scottish firms had won 63% of subcontracts and 89% of supply orders.

This showed an increase from 60.5% and 86.5% in July, respectively.

Transport Minister Keith Brown said: "This is excellent news and continues to show how crucial this project is for Scotland’s economic recovery as well as its future prosperity.

"We always said that the main contract would provide increasing opportunities for Scottish firms during the construction period.

"This will continue all the way into 2016 when the bridge is completed and open and begins providing a significantly improved economic artery across the Forth.

"I’m particularly pleased that Scottish firms are obviously succeeding in winning an increasing share of the available subcontract and supply business."

(IT)