The new Forth bridge will be called the Queensferry Ferry.

The name received a third of the 37,000 votes in a public poll, beating other options such as Caledonia Bridge, Firth of Forth Crossing, Saltire Crossing and St Margaret's Crossing.

Alex Salmond announced the name as he visited South Queensferry to see how construction is progressing.

It is due to be opened at the end of 2016 and will cost up to £1.6 billion, the Government said.

The Scottish Government launched the ''name the bridge'' campaign in November last year and 7,600 suggestions were submitted before being whittled down by a panel of judges to the five finalists.

Queensferry Crossing received 12,039 votes, with Caledonia Bridge the next most popular with 10,573.

The First Minister said the name reflects the history on the stretch of water.

"It was Queen Margaret in the 11th century who introduced a ferry to carry pilgrims across the Forth, giving the communities on either side of the Firth their name," Mr Salmond said.

"The public's choice of Queensferry Crossing reflects the area's rich history and the continuing link between the two communities on the estuary's north and south banks.

"This project is providing many opportunities for jobs and investment in Scotland and, having visited the works and spoken with those building the Queensferry Crossing and connecting roads, I've been impressed by the dedication and expertise of those involved in such a major feat of civil engineering in often challenging weather conditions.

"This part of Scotland is already an internationally-renowned location with two bridges representing the cutting edge of engineering in the 19th and 20th centuries respectively.

"The Queensferry Crossing is a bridge to the future; when complete in 2016, it will take its place alongside the other iconic bridges over the Forth estuary, while safeguarding and improving a vital connection in the country's transport network and playing a key role in Scotland's economic success."

Worries over structural issues with the current Forth Road Bridge saw plans for a new crossing brought forward, but it has since been found that the original road bridge can be maintained as a transport link.

Construction started in 2011 on the new structure and 1,200 people are working on it, the Government said.