I AM concerned at the “distinct lack of places versus the number of applications” when the newly constructed Queensferry Crossing bridge closes to allow the public to take part in a “once in a lifetime” chance to walk over the newly-completed construction on Saturday & Sunday, September 2 and 3.

There were just 50,000 spaces available through a ballot which closed on July 5 with a total of nearly 230,000 people applying for the “Queensferry Crossing Experience” through their web site which would leave nearly 180,000 people disappointed.

I very much echo and support a recent motion to the Scottish Parliament from my colleague Murdo Fraser MSP which asks that the Parliament notes calls from campaigners to increase the number of days for people to walk across the new Queensferry Crossing when it opens in August 2017 – and in turn, increase the number of available spaces.

Furthermore, the new Queensferry Crossing is a significant historical, cultural and engineering achievement and we believe that Transport Scotland and the Scottish Government should listen to the calls from campaigners to extend the number of days open for walks, especially as the opening is already behind schedule and I very much hope that an agreement can be reached to allow more people to experience crossing the bridge.

As a reminder; the Queensferry Crossing is due to open officially on August 30. This forms the centrepiece of a major upgrade to the Forth transport corridor in the east of Scotland, representing a total investment of £1.325 to £1.35 billion. The Forth Bridges Forum says that around £245 million worth of savings have been made since construction started in June 2011.

The 1.7 miles (2.7km) structure will be the longest three-tower, cable-secured bridge in the world and also by far the largest to feature cables which cross mid-span. This innovative design provides extra strength and stiffness, allowing the towers and the deck to appear more slender and elegant.

ALEXANDER STEWART, MSP for

Mid Scotland and Fife.