A FIFE MSP has raised concerns that drivers could face the danger of falling blocks of ice on the Queensferry Crossing.

Murdo Fraser, who represents the Mid Scotland and Fife region, said he was "very alarmed" to hear that engineers had been trying to deal with incidents of ice forming on the bridge’s cables for the past six months after three car windscreens were smashed last winter.

“When Nicola Sturgeon bragged about opening this bridge on time and on budget, she forgot to mention this very serious problem," he said. “Not only is this a risk to driver safety but the disruption it could cause for commuters and businesses is significant.

"This is an issue that should have been resolved long before now.”

Transport Scotland said the incident in March had been looked into.

“Since the incident earlier this year, Transport Scotland has been working closely with our contractor and operating company to investigate conditions that led to ice formation on the Queensferry Crossing," said a spokesman.

“It is our understanding that a unique set of combined weather conditions, including wind, temperature and moisture, caused the build-up of ice and subsequent thawing. Understanding the exact conditions allows us to put processes into place to plan ahead and anticipate when this might happen in future.

“We are also installing additional monitoring equipment to ensure we can provide early warnings to road users should it be required.”