Cheap ferries set for River Forth

A new ferry service to Fife from Edinburgh could soon be a reality thanks to an agreement between transport giant Stagecoach and Bland Group.

The two companies have formed a joint venture which hopes to implement a hovercraft service across the Forth River by providing £14 million of funding.

The new service will operate between Portobello and Kirkcaldy, an area currently untouched by cheap ferries, with Stagecoach expected to submit a detailed planning application to City of Edinburgh Council and Fife Council in the near future.

This follows a pilot project initiated by the transport company two years ago.

"We believe it is important to maintain the momentum behind the project and we are delighted to have a joint venture partner and significant private sector funding now in place," explained Stagecoach chief executive Brian Souter.

"Securing planning permission is a critical element of the project and we will be looking to progress this while continuing our discussions on public sector support."

The River Forth stretches for 62 miles between Stirling and the sea.

Written by Mark Robinson