NETWORK Rail is opposing the bid to gain World Heritage status for the Forth Bridge, which would put it alongside the Pyramids and the Taj Mahal on the global tourist map.

Councillors see the bid as an opportunity for West Fife to capitalise on the huge attraction of the iconic 120-year- old structure.

However, there are fears that with the bridge's owners, Network Rail, viewing world heritage status as something that would impose "additional burdens" on its ability to operate, the bid could be scuppered from the start.

Now former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who lives in the shadow of the bridge, has intervened to write to Network Rail on the issue and is prepared to convene a meeting to try to sort out the difficulties.

Tourists from around the world come here to see the famous bridge but there is no visitor centre to provide a welcome, tell the history of the structure and sell souvenirs.

However, where Fife councillors see a great economic opportunity to make the most of the bridge's appeal, the owners see potential problems.

A spokesperson for Network Rail said, "The Forth Bridge is already a world-famous structure and we have spent £200 million on a decade-long project to restore the bridge to its original glory.

"We take our role as the custodians of the bridge and its heritage very seriously.

"However, it is still, above all else, an operational structure and it would be inappropriate to place additional burdens or requirements on it which could potentially impact on the future needs of the railway.

"We need to ensure that it is able to work effectively as we seek to further improve rail links between Edinburgh, Fife and the North East." The issue was raised at Thursday's Fife Council meeting when Labour group leader Alex Rowley said he understood Network Rail were not supporting the move.

Council leader Peter Grant replied that, as he understood it, Network Rail would not be able to veto the bid although he had not seen any formal objections.

Councillor Rowley said afterwards that the council should be working with Network Rail or the bid could fail.

"I've spoken to Gordon Brown about this," he said.

"He fully supports the bid and he is more than happy to try to sort out any difficulties with Network Rail.

"I think we have to be ambitious for Fife and this bid could open up many opportunities through tourism.

"Any campaign of this type needs people working together so we need to be speaking to Network Rail and trying to get them on board." The council decided in June to approve the nominations of the Forth Bridge and St Andrews for inclusion on UNESCO's tentative list of world heritage sites.

Mr Grant said then, "It (the Forth Bridge) was one of the wonders of the modern world when it was built and remains one of the most instantly recognisable structures in the world.

"We are extremely lucky in Fife to have such an iconic gateway to welcome thousands of visitors and homecoming residents into the Kingdom.

"I'm sure the people of Fife will fully support its inclusion as a World Heritage Site." Deputy council leader Elizabeth Riches said, "Inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an acknowledgement of the truly global significance of such places.

"It would be a real honour and privilege for Fife to gain this accolade and could potentially bring real social and economic benefits." Do you think the bridge should have World Heritage status? Vote now in our online poll on this site.