Funding delays leave hovercraft plans up in the air

THE introduction of a hovercraft service across the Forth is set to be delayed until 2009 by discussions over a funding shortfall.

Transport firm Stagecoach has been looking to secure public money to help it launch a route between Leith and Kirkcaldy. The firm had hoped to introduce the new service before the end of the year after a successful trial last summer.

But the scheme has now been delayed as the company is still locked in talks with various transport bodies over funding. Stagecoach now hopes to begin operating the crossing in 2009, if it secures financial backing.

A Stagecoach spokesman said: "We have been looking for information about the process going forward and, as a result, it would be into 2009 before a service can go on the water.

"Everything needs to work in partnership to make this kind of project a reality and there are areas which we are waiting to hear back on."

A two-week trial of the service, in July last year, was used by about 32,000 people.

In October, Stagecoach unveiled proposals for a regular Leith-Kirkcaldy service with investment from the company of £10.3m, but requiring a public sector subsidy of £3.3m for the first three years.