The foot and cycle paths on the Forth Road Bridge have been closed by Police Scotland as a "security precaution" ahead of the sailing of the aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth.  

The Royal Navy's largest ever ship is due to leave Rosyth today with the paths expected to re-open around 1.30am tomorrow morning. 

A statement on the Forth Road Brige website said: "The closure of the footpaths has been agreed with Police Scotland and the Aircraft Carrier Alliance as a security precaution, with HMS Queen Elizabeth II due to sail under the bridges from Rosyth later tonight."

It also said that any cyclists or pedestrians needing to cross the bridge while the footpaths are closed can contact Bridge Control on 0131 319 3083 to arrange a lift.