Scotland's Forth Bridge granted Unesco world heritage status

Distinctive 1.5-mile long bridge is sixth cultural landmark in Scotland to be designated a world heritage site

The bridge openend in 1980, carrying rail traffic across the Forth. (Getty)

Scotland's iconic Forth Bridge has been granted Unesco world heritage status, the sixth Scottish landmark to be designated as being of "outstanding universal value".

The bridge, which spans the Firth of Forth, celebrateed its 125th anniversary in March this year.

The decision to designate the bridge a Unesco world heritage site was taken in Bonn, in Germany at a meeting of the UN's cultural committee.

Unesco has spent more than a year considering nominations.

The bridge openend in 1980, carrying rail traffic across the Forth. It spans 1.5 miles and weighs 53,000 tonnes.

Scotland's other World Heritage Sites are New Lanark, St Kilda, the Old and New Towns in Edinburgh, Neolithic Orkney and the Antonine Wall.