7,600 names suggested for new Forth bridge

A total of 7,600 different names have been suggested for the Forth Replacement Crossing at the end of a two-month search last night.

The number appears to have rocketed by one quarter from 6,000 over the last two days, with the public to vote in the “late spring” on a short list of around five entries drawn up by an independent panel.

Analysis by The Scotsman of 3,000 of the entries has shown the most popular words in entries include Forth, Queen, Fife, Gateway and Scots.

The £1.6 billion bridge and upgraded approach roads remain on course to open just west of the Forth Road Bridge at the end of 2016.

Transport minister Keith Brown said today: “It is important the people of Scotland have their say in naming their new bridge and I’m delighted to see the incredible level of interest that’s been shown.

“The naming process has clearly captured the public imagination in a big way.”