New bridge will get name as Brown snub 'misunderstood'

Earlier this month, Transport Minister Keith Brown appeared to snub calls for a competition to name the 2 billion structure and insist it would continue to be known simply as the Forth Replacement Crossing.

But now Transport Scotland has claimed his comments were misunderstood.

A spokeswoman said: "While there is not a pressing need to decide on a name for the new bridge at this stage, before any construction has started or even the contract to build it has been awarded, of course arrangements to consider the naming of the new bridge will be put in place in due course."

Ideas already floated include calling it the Queensferry Bridge or naming it after 11th century Queen Margaret.

Labour MSP John Park, who wants a competition, said: "Naming the bridge is something everyone can get involved in, from schools, youth clubs to care homes and down the pub."