The project started in February 2021 and Mr Dey had the opportunity to see first-hand the progress being made when he was taken up to the encapsulated zone where contractor Balfour Beatty is repainting and refurbishing the span.

Mr Dey said: “It’s been fascinating to see the bridge from this perspective and I was particularly pleased to be able to talk to the team carrying out this work and get an understanding of their skill and dedication, which is essential when carrying out such important work on this iconic structure which has been a vital part of Scotland’s Railway for over a century.

“It was really interesting to see the difference between the steel both before and after the treatment and witness the efforts that go in to maintaining a 130-year-old bridge.”

The refurbished steelwork is being repainted using the iconic Forth Bridge red colour – in a job that will not be required again for up to three decades after completion.

Mr Dey added: “I was also pleased to hear about the efforts the team is making to engage and listen to the North Queensferry community. I appreciate work of this nature, such as grit blasting – removing layers of old paint – can be noisy, but it is necessary and will help ensure the north approach to the structure is protected long into the future.”

Funded by the Scottish Government, the project is part of Network Rail’s five-year, £4bn programme of investment in Scotland’s Railway between 2019 and 2024. It’s the latest stage of works on and around the structure, with the project expected to be completed early 2022.

Mark Wilson, project manager at Network Rail, said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome the new transport minister to site and for members of the team to have the chance to share the passion and knowledge they have for this project with him.

“This investment, not only ensures the bridge remains one of the most recognisable structures in the world, but is crucial in our efforts to maintain a safe and reliable railway for years to come.”