Cross-Forth ferry link could run without subsidy after three years

Stagecoach operated a two-week trial Forthfast hovercraft service between Edinburgh and Fife in July 2007

Stagecoach operated a two-week trial Forthfast hovercraft service between Edinburgh and Fife in July 2007

Stagecoach believes that it has established a clear business case for launching a permanent cross-Forth hovercraft service, which could operate without subsidy after three years.

The Perth-based group has unveiled a four-part masterplan to exploit the potential of the Forth estuary, identifying a preferred link between Kirkcaldy and Leith.

Stagecoach announced its proposals following analysis of the results of a two-week Forthfast trial operation in July 2007.

The company, which used to...