Souter says hovercraft would be running if Capital gave cash

Published on Friday 7 November 2008 09:29

STAGECOACH tycoon Brian Souter has said the cross-Forth hovercraft service could already be up and running – if Edinburgh council bosses had showed the same support as Fife.

Mr Souter said Fife Council had earmarked 1 million to help with infrastructure costs associated with the project.

If Edinburgh matched that figure, Mr Souter said the project would already be underway.

Speaking at a meeting of regional transport body SEStran yesterday, Mr Souter said: "If I could get Edinburgh to give as much help as Fife, we would be up and running.

"The Edinburgh folks have been really cooperative, there's no criticism of them, but that's the final piece we need to get in place."

Phil Wheeler, the city's transport convener, said: "We can see there would be many benefits in developing a link between Edinburgh and Fife.

"Unfortunately we have no immediate plans because of the council's current financial position.

Plans for a hovercraft service between Leith and Kirkcaldy stalled earlier this year after a row over public funding for the scheme.

Stagecoach had pledged 10.3m to the scheme, but was looking for a public sector subsidy of 3.3m over the first three years to build jetties and waiting rooms.