COUNCILLORS HAVE seen at first hand the potential for a hovercraft service between Alloa and the capital.

Stagecoach carried out a trial run yesterday from Portobello to the south of Alloa and then on to Kirkcaldy to show councillors and officials the technology which could open up a new gateway into the Wee County.

The trial went ahead on the 12-seat hovercraft despite Stagecoach making the decision last week to freeze further work on proposals for a cross-Forth hovercraft service between Kirkcaldy and Portobello.

Clackmannanshire Council is unanimously backing the proposals, which are still at a very early stage, viewing them as another welcome route into the area.

With the new Upper Forth crossing due to open this November and work well under way on reopening the Stirling-Alloa-Kincardine rail line, this would be an additional boost to the area.

SNP Councillor Irene Hamilton was on board the small hovercraft and said she hoped the plans came to fruition.

“I think it will be really good if it does come off.

“We were on a 12-seater today but the plans would be to have a bigger one which could cater for over 100 passengers.

“It would be a good thing for local people and to bring tourists into the area. It would be a good experience for everybody and would work out well with the railway link and the Clackmannanshire bridge.

“It would also take more cars off the roads and would be a great boost for commuters.

“I cannot see any negatives in the scheme at all.”

The council is supporting the tentative plans as it has been exploring ways to make greater use of the historic Alloa harbour area for some time.

Councillor Eddie Carrick added, “I took a keen interest in last year’s hovercraft trials from Kirkcaldy and am delighted that Clackmannanshire commuters may be offered this additional travel option in the future.

“Anything that reduces the need for car travel is to be welcomed.”

The trial used a hovercraft which has been out in the Forth this week to allow ornithologists to observe wintering bird behaviour around the island of Inchkeith.

Opening up the route is part of Stagecoach’s long-term vision for the Forth estuary.

Chief executive Brian Souter has said he feels the river is an under-used resource and the company believed there was longer-term potential to boost economic regeneration and social inclusion in areas such as Alloa with non-commercial sea-based services.

The transport group carried out a fortnight’s trial of the Forthfast service last summer, with an 130-passenger hovercraft travelling from Kirkcaldy to Portobello in 18 minutes.

The pilot scheme attracted thousands of commuters and day-trippers.