ENGINEERS have been chosen to create a bridge walk and tourist centre across one of Scotland's most famous landmarks.

Network Rail has announced that Arup, an international engineering and design consultancy, will lead the next stage of the design of a visitor centre and walkway for the Forth Bridge in a six-figure contract.

The firm will develop detailed designs for a North Queensferry based visitor centre and lift and a stop at South Queensferry for bridge walkers.

More detailed build-ready designs are expected by the middle of next year when planning consent will be sought.

As part of the contract designs for North Queensferry it is envisaged visitors would arrive via a landscaped shore side walk to a centre under the northern Fife Tower.

The walking route will pass along the south approach viaduct on a pre-existing walkway underneath the track, followed by a climb to the top of the southern Queensferry Tower using a walkway within the top cantilever.

The centre will be connected by a step-free ramp to two panoramic elevators on the eastern side of the bridge which will provide access to a viewing platform sitting at the top of the bridge, more than 360 ft (110m) above sea level.

David Dickson, of Network Rail, said: "This is a significant investment in our vision for a groundbreaking new tourist attraction for Scotland."

Mike Cantlay, Chairman of VisitScotland, said the bridge is "a Scottish icon that is recognised around the globe" and the centre has "huge tourism potential".