The new crossing of the Firth of Forth is to be a cable-stayed bridge upstream of the existing road bridge, cabinet secretary John Swinney told Scotland's parliament today.

"Concerns over the future viability of the existing bridge mean that we need to act now to protect the future of cross-Forth travel for generations to come. A Forth Replacement Crossing is essential," he said. "The decision to proceed with plans for a cable stayed bridge has not been taken lightly. We have considered in detail the arguments for all the options. A cable stay bridge has lower overall risk and can be used by all types of traffic, including freight, pedestrians and cyclists and is considerably cheaper to deliver. It also provides for a more affordable dedicated public transport corridor to allow use by buses, light rail or trams."