WATER sports enthusiasts have stepped up a bid to save one of Scotland's leading sailing schools.

The move follows ­Edinburgh Leisure's ­decision to close the water sports centre which has been the launch pad for ­thousands of sailors.

The Scottish Sailing Trust, involving members of the community, plans to become a registered charity and buy the boating assets to ensure the activities at Port Edgar, under the shadow of the Forth Road Bridge near South Queensferry, can continue.

Terry Kirchin, a trust spokesman, said: "The trust aims to continue to provide a full range of courses and activities to children, adults, schools, sailing clubs and commercial businesses.

The trustees have applied for a sportscotland grant to part-fund thepurchase. The appeal aims to raise at least £5000 and gain grant funding of £5 for every £1 raised.