The Queensferry Crossing has been recognised by Guinness World Records.

Transport Scotland announced the central piece of the £1.35bn bridge has been named the largest freestanding balanced beam in the world.

The 2112ft cantilever will be connected to the two smaller flanking towers to form the completed bridge between Edinburgh and Fife.

In June, the Scottish Government's infrastructure secretary Keith Brown confirmed the bridge would not be open until mid-May 2017, six months behind schedule, because of "adverse weather".

On Tuesday, Mr Brown said: "We can all agree the Queensferry Crossing is a modern marvel and a world-class feat of engineering. It's only fitting then that the bridge has been awarded a Guinness World Records title.

"This world-record breaking structure is all the more remarkable when you consider the extreme weather conditions often experienced out in the Firth of Forth, especially working up above the water between 60 metres and 210 metres high.

"Everyone who has worked so hard and skilfully to build this amazing bridge is a world record beater in their own right.

"It won't be long before the balanced cantilever disappears, when the small gaps between the towers are closed.

"But the record is still there to be beaten and the Queensferry Crossing will still be the tallest bridge in the UK and longest bridge of its type anywhere in the world."

Alan Platt, construction director, said: "Construction work is going well on all three towers.

"This unique achievement at the centre tower is a feat of engineering which the whole team is immensely proud of.

"This is leading edge civil engineering and I'm delighted to pay tribute to the skills and dedication of everyone involved."