Fife Council has called for urgent talks following the revelation that cash is still to be found for the £15 million Forth Bridge visitor attraction.
Deputy leader Councillor Lesley Laird said it was vital the viewing platform atop the north cantilever of the iconic structure and visitor centre at North Queensferry are built, bringing tourists, jobs and cash to the kingdom.
Network Rail’s ambitious plan unveiled in 2014 also includes a bridge walk at the South Queensferry side and is expected to draw around 360,000 visitors annually.
Mrs Laird said: “This project is far too important to let it slip through our fingers.”
She has written to Scotland’s business, energy and tourism minister Fergus Ewing, Transport Scotland, Network Rail, VisitScotland and Historic Environment Scotland seeking an urgent meeting.
Network Rail said finding cash remained the “main hurdle” and that its change last year from a private to a public organisation meant non-core railway opportunities such as the ambitious project were less of a priority.
Mrs Laird said: “We campaigned jointly to secure World Heritage status for the bridge and the visitor centre was viewed as a key element in terms of leveraging visitor numbers, wider economic and employment benefit as well as a way to broaden the marketing of this amazing asset.
“The Scottish Government should view this project as a way of increasing the number of tourists visiting Scotland.”
To complement the visitor centre, Fife Council also intends to create a pontoon at North Queensferry historic pier, where cruise ship passengers could disembark.
Network Rail initially hoped at least part of the development would be complete for the bridge’s 125th anniversary last year.
The first stage of consultation with communities has been undertaken and designs for the visitor centre and bridge walk are nearly complete.
However, Network Rail said a planning application would not be submitted nor further consultation conducted until more funds were found.
This week a spokesman said: “We have options for funding and are hoping to see notable progress this year.”