Could a hovercraft link be launched between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh?

Kirkcaldy’s waterfront has been transformed in recent years.

And so, too, has the north of Edinburgh, with Granton’s waterfront currently under development and the extension of the tram lines.

Fife councillors are now floating the idea of a vessel connecting the two areas by water.

But would it make waves with locals?

“It’s quite a hike on the bus from here, so yeah, good idea,” said one Kirkcaldy local.

Another told STV News: “I think its a pretty good idea, helpful and easier to travel. It’s a change, instead of a train or driving.”

The plans would see a vessel leave from Kirkcaldy’s promenade and travel to an area in the north of Edinburgh. Currently, to get to the likes of Granton and Newhaven, it takes around 50 minutes by car.

Councillors say using a vessel like a hovercraft would cut that down to just 18 minutes.

In fact, the idea was trialled for a week back in 2007, when thousands queued up to take a hovercraft between Kirkcaldy and Portobello.

But despite it’s popularity – the plans were left high and dry.

Councillor Ian Cameron said: “There was a demand for it then, but there wasn’t an agreement, I believe, because of the problems coming in with the hovercraft to Portobello.

“That was a noisy hovercraft and we were in a different world then as well.

“The green argument has moved on, so I think there’s a greater political will to make it happen, and I think there is a greater will from our planet to make it happen.”

Edinburgh’s transport convenor said he is aware that Fife Council has recently began a Feasibility Study to examine the case for a cross-Forth vessel and said he’ll do everything he can to support and engage with councillors across the water.

But with plans still in the very early stages, it’ll be some time until we know whether the idea will be fully revisited or if that ship has already sailed.