Hovercraft bid left deflated

A PROPOSED hovercraft link to Portobello from Kirkcaldy is set to be dealt a major blow next week.

Fife Council is expected to call a halt to efforts to attract potential operators because of a lack of interest and funding.

However, Stagecoach, which carried out a 2007 trial, said the project was not dead. A spokesman said the company was still interested in providing bus links and infrastructure for a future hovercraft or ferry service.

The company is to continue with applications for landing and passenger facilities and will then reappraise the business case for a cross-Forth link.

Edinburgh and Fife councils are both willing to offer non-financial support.