Finance Secretary John Swinney has confirmed that the Queensferry Crossing scheme remains both on course and under budget.

He revealed that the overall cost of the project is set to be £145m lower than previous estimates.

The new budget range for the Forth Replacement Crossing is now £1.4bn to £1.45bn, down from the previous range of £1.45bn to £1.6bn.

Minister Swinney said the lower cost is due to the successful management of the project, as well as the delivery of key milestones.

Confirming the news, Mr Swinney added: "It is very positive news for Scotland to be able to announce that the Scottish Government is further reducing the budget range for the Forth Replacement Crossing project to £1.4 billion to £1.45 billion.

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"Over the last few years we have taken a deliberately Scottish approach to investing in infrastructure. We are supporting an investment led recovery in distinct contrast to the austerity agenda of the UK Government.

"Our approach has benefitted the Scottish economy which is now stronger than that of the UK. 90% of supply orders and nearly 60% of sub contracts have been awarded to 365 Scottish firms and currently around 874 people are currently employed on site.

"While there is no room for complacency, these latest figures also show that Scotland's biggest infrastructure project in a generation is being well managed. I commend all those involved for their hard work in this success so far, as construction continues on time and under budget.

"We are now two years into the project and progress so far means that £145 million worth of savings have been identified on the project since construction started in June 2011.

"This is further good news for Scotland and is testament to the efficient management and effective delivery of the project by Transport Scotland and its partners at the Forth Crossing Bridge Constructors consortium."

(JP/CD)