PLANS for a heavily-delayed £10 million Forth Bridge climbing experience are back on track.

The hair-raising proposals from Network Rail were first revealed six years ago in 2013 centred around a 330-feet high viewing platform and a visitor centre.

The initial plans featured the hub and the start of the climb on the North Queensferry side of the bridge but revised designs four years later showed it to be on the South side – located 250 metres from Dalmeny Railway Station.

It is expected to attract 80,000 visitors a year wanting to climb the structure, which will reach its 130th anniversary in 2020.

A Network Rail spokesman said: "Our plans for the Forth Bridge Experience are progressing well and we look forward to being able to open up this iconic structure to the public."

The initial plans for consultation with the community were approved by planners at Edinburgh City Council.

Network Rail also confirmed suggestions that a detailed application will be submitted this summer.

Access is envisaged to be provided via an existing walkway under the South approach span and a new steel walkway positioned discreetly within the top member of the Southern suspended span.

Visitors will move in groups of up to 15 from a new hub building near Hawes Brae and will be hooked onto the bridge using a harness and continuous safety line.

In 2016, Fife Council expressed fears that the proposals were not progressing and called on Network Rail to confirm they would go ahead with the project.