Schools have chance of VIP bridge places

A competition has been launched as part of Transport Scotland’s search for a name for the new crossing.

An independent advisory panel is due to consider ­suggestions put forward by the public and draw up a shortlist of names which will go to a vote in 2013.

Parents, pupils and teachers logging onto the www.namethebridge.co.uk website can enter their school in a prize draw. One primary and one secondary school will be invited to send a group as VIP guests to the opening ceremony.

First Minister Alex Salmond said: “This is a great opportunity for teachers, pupils and parents to get involved in the search to find the name for Scotland’s largest infrastructure project in a generation.

“I’m keen that the Scottish public have their say on the name and, of course, that includes our young people.”

The closing date for entries is January 31 and the winning bridge name will be announced in the summer.