Construction work is underway on a new pontoon at Stirling's Old Harbour as part of a regeneration plan for the River Forth.

The £270,000 project will be completed by contractors Gareloch Support Services (GSS).

The pontoon landing stage will be 30 metres long, with an additional five-metre section for rowing boats and kayaks. The state-of-the-art pontoon and access walkway will rise and fall with the tide and is designed to be wheelchair compliant.

The scheme is being carried out in conjunction with the restoration of the Old Harbour Wall.

Environment and Housing Committee Convenor Cllr Jim Thomson and Vice Convenor Danny Gibson visited the site on Monday as work began on the project.

Cllr Thomson said: "This pontoon is an important step in bringing about the rejuvenation of the River Forth and integrating it back into the city again as a key asset.

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"We want to show that Stirling is far more than just our historic castle and this development will make it a massive draw for residents and tourists by offering river trips and it will create an alternative gateway into the city for leisure vessels visiting us by river.

"A Lowland Market Research study estimates an extra £10million will be generated for the local economy by turning our river into an attraction for potentially an additional 250,000 visitors a year."

Cllr Gibson added: "We are bringing the River Forth back into the heart of the city's life.

"So many cities around the world make their rivers a focal point for tourists so this pontoon is about making the River Forth a significant natural and cultural asset again.

"This will hugely enhance tourists' experience of Stirling by providing a new way to enjoy the wealth of historical sites and natural beauty of the area from the river.

"Stirling Council has long term City Deal aspirations for a number of pontoons along the River Forth with a view to offering tourist boats in the future to help generate jobs.

"So this is just the start of us transforming the river and making the most of our waterfront."

The pontoon is expected to be completed at the start of September.

(CM/LM)