Rail chiefs are looking at the idea of building a viewing platform for visitors to be hoisted more than 300ft to the top of the Forth Bridge.

Network Rail, which manages the bridge, confirmed on Sunday that it is examining the feasibility of establishing visitor access, which would offer impressive views of all around the Firth of Forth.

The steel structure, with its three enormous red diamond-shaped spans, crosses the Forth Estuary between North and South Queensferry and was officially finished in 1890. It is 1.5 miles long and is used by up to 200 trains a day.

Last month, a 10-year job to coat the bridge with paint expected to last around 25 years was completed. The refurbishment of the famous crossing cost around £130m.

A Network Rail spokesman said that during the restoration work, lifts had been built into all three of the bridge's towers to allow workers to gain access.

He said: "We have a good amount of experience of building these platforms for the work that was being carried out and could look at making it more permanent.

"We are examining the feasibility of establishing visitor access to the bridge and this is one of a number of options under discussion.

"We are proud to be the custodian of such an iconic structure and following our 10-year restoration and repainting of the bridge we are keen to ensure it continues to play a role in the nation's future as well as its history.

"However, it is at a very early stage."

The idea for the platform reportedly came from Nigel Harris, managing director of RAIL magazine, after he was taken on a bridge tour by Network Rail last month.

He told the Scotland on Sunday newspaper: "I'm certain that any number of Scottish brands — banks and whisky spring to mind — would be eager to have their names linked to such a world-class, high-profile tourist attraction.

"I'll wager the 'Forth Bridge Experience' could easily be as globally famous and respected as the Eiffel Tower visit — only better."