Plans are going ahead to bring a fast ferry crossing to Fife by the end of next year.

A site investigation has begun at Burntisland Harbour into its suitability as a ferry terminal, and a number of potential operators have expressed an interest in running the service.

The ferry service is being developed as part of Fife Council's studies into cross-Forth transport links.

It is understood the ferry could run alongside Stagecoach's proposed hovercraft route from Kirkcaldy to Edinburgh.

Dr Bob McLellan, head of transportation services at Fife Council, said: "The site investigation works at Burntisland is part of a feasibility study being carried out by Hyder Consulting into re-establishing a ferry service across the Forth linking Fife with Edinburgh's waterfront."

Dr McLellan, who chairs the joint steering group overseeing the ferry study, added: "Early parts of the study have already shown that there is a viable business case for a ferry service between Burntisland and Granton."

A special drillage barge has been brought to Burntisland Harbour as part of the investigation.

He added: "The results of this site investigation will feed into the next stage where detailed designs are prepared outlining what port facilities will need to be developed for the ferries."

It is expected potential ferry operators will be invited to tender for the service later this year, with ferries taking to the water by 2009.
Hyder Consulting has recommended two fast catamarran vessels for the route, with a crossing time of 15 mins.