FORTH Ports has highlighted its pride in the achievements of Ashley Nicholson, who recently picked up a prestigious award for her role in managing the marine operations during the construction of the new Queensferry Crossing.

Ms Nicholson, 29, described by Forth Ports as the youngest certificated harbour master in the UK, won the Scottish Engineering-Incorporation of Hammermen of Glasgow Award for 2016 and was praised for showing “remarkable abilities” during the giant civil engineering project.

Forth Ports noted that Ms Nicholson is responsible for marine activity on the inner Forth Estuary which, it noted, had seen an additional 5,000 vessel movements during the construction of the bridge.

Stuart Wallace, divisional director of Forth Ports, said: “We are extremely proud of Ashley’s achievements. The Queensferry Bridge construction is one of the largest engineering projects in Scotland, and Ashley and our marine team have played an invaluable part in ensuring that the river activity has been well co-ordinated to ensure smooth passage for the hundreds of vessels using the waterway each day.”

Ms Nicholson said: “Working on the bridge project is a fantastic experience, and has not been without its challenges. I am grateful to my marine colleagues for the support on this project and we are looking forward to seeing the bridge opened later this year.”

Bryan Buchan, chief executive of Scottish Engineering, said: “Ashley Nicholson showed remarkable abilities during the largest civil engineering project in Scotland this century, the construction of the Queensferry Crossing.”