A HISTORIC Clyde bridge, described as the finest in Glasgow, is to be upgraded at a cost of £2.6 million.

The A-listed Albert Bridge spans the river between Saltmarket in the north and Crown Street in the south.

The structure, named after Queen Victoria's consort, is more than 140 years old and is beginning to show its age.

Designed by lighthouse builder Robert Stevenson, the grandfather of Treasure Island author Robert Louis Stevenson, it opened in 1871.

In 2002, the city council carried out strengthening work to ensure it could carry heavy vehicles.

It is now planned to upgrade the bridge parapets and return the structure to its original condition.

Senior planner Ken Clark said: "Repair work will involve the renewal of the parapets in their entirety as they are rusted in some parts and broken in others.

"The heraldic crests will be repainted, architectural lights will be added and the bridge hopefully brought back to its former glory."

Councillor Alistair Watson told the planning committee: "This is, architecturally, Glasgow's finest bridge – of that there is no doubt."

"The other two Albert bridges in the UK in London and Belfast were refurbished some time ago."

A number of the iron panels in the best state of repair will be retained for future use, and missing features will be replaced.

The structural ironwork will be painted and the bridge's stonework cleaned, re-pointed and repaired.