Plans for a major new visitor experience which will let people climb to the top of the Forth Bridge have been given the green light by officials.
Around 80,000 people a year are expected to visit the Forth Bridge Experience, which would offer breathtaking views over the Lothians and Fife.
Edinburgh city council's development committee is due to make a decision on whether the alterations to the UNESCO World Heritage site can be made next week.
However planning officers have said the new visitor centre, walkways and viewing platform would not affect the character of the rail bridge, which opened in 1890.
Network Rail's plans for the new visitor experience were outlined in detail in September last year.
Groups of 15 people would go to the visitor centre where they would be briefed on the history of the bridge and given safety gear.
They would then climb to the top of the 100m-high towers, an experience described as like "walking in the sky."
The Dalmeny Battery, a coastal defence platform which dates back to 1903, will be altered to become a part of the visitor experience.
The planning officers said: "The approach to the built development has been sensitive ensuring that that the scale and design of the new built form protects and enhances the character and appearance of the Queensferry Conservation Area.
"The interventions to the listed structures, the Forth Rail Bridge and Dalmeny Battery, are minimal thus ensuring that the character and setting of the listed building is protected.
"Adequate on site car parking and key links to sustainable modes of transport will be formed with adequate on site cycle spaces."
The South Queensferry Community Council and others will give presentations at the committee meeting at the City Chambers.
It is due to take place on Wednesday, March 4.
