Nicola Sturgeon hailed the "fantastic progress" on the new Queensferry Crossing during a visit to the south shore of the River Forth.

The Deputy First Minister watched as huge sections of deck were prepared ahead of being pushed out across the viaduct piers high above the water. She said: "When I visited last November I saw the structures being dispatched to start work on the tower foundations. Looking at the 100 metre-long section of deck really shows you just how vast the final Queensferry Crossing will be."

The bridge, due to be opened in 2016, will carry the bulk of traffic across the Forth.