Primary school pupils in Linlithgow have been finding out more information about the £742 million Edinburgh Glasgow Improvement Programme (EGIP).

Engineers involved in the scheme recently visited Linlithgow Bridge Primary School to raise awareness about career opportunities in civil engineering.

A total of 60 children in primary six and seven took part in three separate 'Bridges to Schools' workshops, where they had to complete the installation of a 12.5m long cable-stayed bridge, made from aluminium and plywood decking, and stainless steel cables. Once finished, students walked across the structures to test their stability.

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Pupils also found out more information about recent platform extension works on Linlithgow station, as well as raising the height of the railway boundary walls at Royal Terrace and Union Road.

The works will create the additional length needed to accommodate new electric trains which will be introduced to the railway from this summer.

Kevin McClelland route delivery director for Network Rail, said: "We've delivered a number of workshops during the EGIP and they are always extremely well received by pupils and teachers.

"Not only does it provide an opportunity to undertake a practical and fun task, the children also learn about engineering in the wider world, including about projects in their own town with the work at Linlithgow station."

(LM/MH)