Railway bosses have released images of proposals to open the Forth Bridge to visitors and take them to the top of its 110-metre (360ft) towers.
Network Rail hopes its proposed £15 million Forth Bridge Experience would make it one of Scotland’s major landmark tourist attractions.
It proposes building a visitor centre on the North Queensferry side connected by a step-free ramp to two elevators which would whisk visitors to the top of the bridge.
The visitor centre would also offer education and exhibition facilities alongside catering, Forth Bridge-themed retail and a special function venue.
Plans for the South Queensferry side are a visitor reception centre which would be the starting point for guided bridge walks for groups of up to 15 people.
The walk would pass along the south approach viaduct on a pre-existing path, followed by a climb to the top of the southern Queensferry Tower.
Network Rail is inviting members of the public to give their views on an artist’s impressions of the proposals.
David Dickson, Network Rail acting route managing director for Scotland, said: “We’re currently assessing the early feasibility study and developing a detailed business plan for delivery of these proposals.
“The market research study, launched today, will give us more detailed understanding of the potential market for these visitor plans and we’re keen to hear from as many people as possible.
“The images we’ve released provide a bit more of an insight into how we’d like to package visits to the bridge,” he continued.
Anyone who wants to comment can do so on the project website www.forthbridgeexperience.com.