Feasibility study sinks prospects of water taxi service along coast

PLANS for a Forth water t a x i h av e b e e n s u n k after a feasibility study revealed there is

“limited scope” for the service.

Kinross-based consultants Campbell Macrae

Associates were hired by

Fife Council to look at the possibility of a service along the Forth coast between Kincardine and

Crail.

“Based on the research and consultations, the report concludes that there i s only l i mited scope for a water taxi service as envisaged at the outset,” said the firm’s study.

“This is primarily based on tides and the limited access at most Fife Forth coast harbours but also influenced by the current lack of supporting infrastructure and the restricted roads access to and around many harbours.

“The distances involved, the fuel costs and weather also contribute to making the water taxi concept an unattractive commercial proposition for owners, managers, operators and passengers.”

It was hoped a water taxi might boost tourism and help ease road congestion.

The council has still not given up on the idea and hopes a private operator may take the ser vice forward.

But the report said none of the six operators currently offering ferry services on the Forth was

“enthusiastic”.

The consultants’ recommendations include Fife

Council exploring other options to encourage Forth boat travel.

Among these is making the most of a possible cruise ship hub at

Burntisland, with councillors last year approving £25,000 for a study into the potential of the town to host large liners.

The council has also been urged to discuss developing the Forth Ferry initiative between

Anstruther and North

Berwick, t o ma k e it more frequent.