How to cross the Firth of Forth

AMBITIOUS PLANS to introduce a hovercraft crossing between Fife and Edinburgh have been unveiled.

Perth-based transport group Stagecoach has revealed details of the proposal, which would involve the linking of Kirkcaldy and Leith.

The company says that—against a backdrop of anger over tolls and the deteriorating condition of the Forth Road Bridge—the time is ripe for such a development.

Plans are clearly well advanced and Stagecoach claims trials could take place within months. A spokesman for the firm, headed by Brian Souter, said he envisaged that a 150-person hovercraft crossing could be operational by late 2007.

“Research carried out on behalf of Stagecoach suggests regular services could be operational by late 2007 and plans are already being drawn up for a trial later this year,” the spokesman confirmed.

Marine consultant Alistair Macleod has already carried out what was last night described as “detailed exploratory work” on behalf of Stagecoach and a service could run “on a similar timetable” to that proposed for a ferry.

Although confessing that initial public subsidy would be required the spokesman insisted the hovercraft would “significantly cut” the infrastructure costs of alternative plans.

“A cross-Forth link can deliver significant transport, economic and social inclusion benefits and we are very excited by the potential of a hovercraft,” the spokesman continued. “We are seeking the support of all parties involved in making a cross-Forth link a reality to back a hovercraft trial later this year.

“If successful, this innovative solution could be delivered in as little as 18 months, with significantly less cost to taxpayers than ferry-based alternatives.”

Stagecoach has earmarked the BHT150 hovercraft, manufactured by Hoverwork Limited, for use on the Fife to Edinburgh route.

It says its proposal is wholly realistic, and points to the fact a similar craft is to be operated from June this year by Isle of Wight-based Hovertravel between Ryde and Southsea.

Much of the required infrastructure is already in place, and a crossing time of just 20 minutes is mooted.

“Stagecoach has identified the site of its former bus depot in Kirkcaldy, just off the A921, as a potential departure point on the Fife side of the Forth,” said the spokesman.

“On the Edinburgh side of the Forth a potential landing point has been pinpointed at a beach area on the East Sands of Leith.”

Stagecoach believe costs could be kept to a minimum —thus lessening the impact of a new Forth crossing on the public purse.

“A hovercraft operation would require a concrete ramp and relatively low-cost waiting facilities at either side of the Forth,” the spokesman said.

“This would be significantly cheaper than the cost associated with redeveloping Kirkcaldy harbour and other infrastructure work on the Edinburgh side related to a fast ferry link.

“The crossing time between Kirkcaldy and Leith would be approximately 20 minutes and the craft, with normal operating speeds of around 35 knots, could run in sea conditions with waves of up to two metres,” he added.

Stagecoach has already written to Forth Ports, Edinburgh City Council, Fife Council, the Forth Estuary Transport Authority and the Scottish Executive seeking their backing for a three-day hovercraft trial in September.

Fife MSP Marilyn Livingstone said she found the idea of a hovercraft service in the Forth “intriguing.”

“I’ll certainly keep an open mind and I look forward to the trial that is planned for later in the year.”

Mid Fife MSP Bruce Crawford said, “That’s a cracker of an idea. I knew there was some talk about this sort of idea and I would wholeheartedly like to applaud Brian Souter and Stagecoach for this.”