Hopes for a cross-Forth commuter service over the estuary between Fife and Edinburgh appear to have finally been sunk.
Plans have been mooted in recent years for not only a hovercraft between Kirkcaldy and Newhaven but also for a passenger ferry between Burntisland and Granton.
Despite initial enthusiasm for the ambitious projects though, The Courier understands that neither of them are being taken forward.
Potential hovercraft operator Forthfast, which had hoped to have services running as early as next year, has put any plans on hold, while Stagecoach, which invested heavily in a successful hovercraft trial in 2007, has completely ditched its interest after Edinburgh City Council refused planning permission for a terminal at Portobello in 2011.
And Pentland Ferries, which has been toying with the idea of running a commuter ferry between Burntisland and Granton, has now also confirmed that it has shelved its blueprint.
Marine consultant Alistair Macleod, who helped form Forthfast, suggested things “could develop” in future, but admitted there are no plans at the moment.
“We haven’t yet decided whether to proceed with it there are a number of political issues to address,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pentland Ferries managing director Andrew Banks, who drew up plans to use two vessels between Burntisland and Granton, has abandoned that attempt to expand his Orkney-based business.
“It’s dead in the water,” he said.
“I think when we first looked at it, it would have been worthwhile trying.
“But with the new Queensferry Crossing being built, it’s no longer something we’re looking at.”
Jane Findlay, Fife Council’s lead professional in climate change, carbon reduction and environment, said: “Fife Council is supportive of, and would welcome, a hovercraft between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh or any other ferry service along the Forth where it was viable for a private operator to provide the service.
“Any new public transport provision would need to be owned and run as a self-sufficient business, offering services to the public.”
And that stance was echoed by Fife’s counterparts on the other side of the estuary.
Councillor Lesley Hinds, transport convener for the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “The council has carried out a number of studies and market testing with partners, including Fife Council, exploring the possibility of a cross-Forth passenger service, both traditional ferry and hovercraft.
“To date no commercially viable service has been identified but we are happy to engage with any prospective operator.”