The iconic Forth Bridge has been put forward by UK Culture Secretary Maria Miller for world heritage site status.
If successful the wonder of Victorian engineering would join Stonehenge, the Tower of London and the Great Wall of China on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s list of marvels.
The group will now examine the nomination before a decision next year.
“If the Forth Bridge bid is successful in achieving such prestigious international recognition, then Britain will have yet another iconic place by which to attract tourists to our shores,” Ms Miller said.
Scottish Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop added: “As one of the world’s most recognisable landmarks, the bridge not only connects communities in a practical sense but also connects those who admire its design with Scotland’s proud industrial and cultural heritage.
“The Scottish Government is proud to support the Forth Bridge bid.”
She said she was particularly pleased that the bid’s partnership approach had allowed neighbouring communities to have a direct input alongside local and national bodies.
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael called the structure a symbol of Scotland’s place as construction pioneer.