The tubular structure and monochromatic backdrop resonate like a scene from a science fiction movie.

But the futuristic image shows the cable anchor boxes ready for fitting on the new Forth estuary bridge taken from an angle.

An engineer inspects the cross-section of Scotland's largest building project as it takes shape, with the Queensferry Crossing regularly reaching one striking milestone after another.

During the last year the three main towers rose to around 300ft (90 metres).

A dozen deck sections of raw steel, each weighing over 250 tonnes, were also put into place on each tower.

Now the next engineering hurdle is negotiated with the boxes prepared as anchors.

The Forth Replacement Crossing project is creating up to 1,200 new jobs and a large number of sub contract and supply order opportunities for Scottish companies.

Transport Scotlands said the work will "ensure the future of a vital element of Scotland's transport network".

Around 30,000 tonnes of steel will be used in the project to build the longest three tower cable-stayed bridge in the world.

The budget for the Queensferry Crossing was reduced from the revised range of £1.4 billion to £1.45 billion in September 2013 to a new figure of between £1.35 billion to £1.4 billion in October.

Its name was chosen in a public poll with Queensferry Crossing receiving one-third of the 37,000 votes.

This defeated many other options such as Caledonia Bridge, Firth of Forth Crossing, Saltire Crossing and St Margaret's Crossing.

The existing road bridge will be retained as a public transport link after it emerged that its cables were not as badly corroded as previously thought.

The Forth Bridges Forum said: "The stunning, globally unique bridge forms the centrepiece of a major upgrade to the important cross-Forth transport corridor in the east of Scotland.

"The 1.7 miles (2.7km) structure will be the longest three-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world and also by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span.

"This innovative design provides extra strength and stiffness, allowing the towers and the deck to be more slender and elegant."