AT its height 10,000 pilgrims made the picturesque journey across the Firth of Forth.
Now a ferry service dating back to 950AD is to be relaunched for modern-day travellers wanting to journey between two seaside towns in Fife and East Lothian.
Tourism firm Seafari Adventures and the Scottish Seabird Centre have set up the service that could build visitor and community links between the two coastlines on opposite sides of the firth, in a journey that also brings sight of the area's rich bird and aquatic life en route.
The Forth Ferry will launch next month and shuttle residents and tourists between North Berwick in East Lothian and Anstruther in Fife in about 45 minutes rather than the usual two-hour drive time. Day return tickets will cost £25 for an adult and £15 per child.
Colin Aston, managing director of Seafari Adventures, based at South Queensferry, said: “It’s fantastic to be launching our maiden voyage on August 7.
“To be able to travel between Fife and East Lothian in under an hour is brilliant for locals and tourists, a unique experience, which we look forward to building on in the future.”
The new excursion has roots in a long and rich history, with boat trips between North Berwick and Fife dating back 1,000 years.
The “Pilgrims’ Ferry” transported religious worshippers across the Forth to visit the relics of Scotland’s patron saint at St Andrews.
At its peak, nearly 1,000 travellers a month made the crossing.
Tom Brock, of the Scottish Seabird Centre, said: “We are committed to offering our visitors exceptional experiences and this trip between two beautiful seaside towns will be a wonderful asset for locals and visitors.
“Reinstating this 1,000-year-old ferry service will benefit both communities and strengthen the links between East Lothian and Fife.”
Russell Imrie, chair of transport group SEStran, said: “SEStran believes that the Forth Estuary should be a highway, not a barrier, which is why we have worked with Seafari Adventures and the Seabird Centre to establish the new ferry service, which will enhance access across the estuary and give improved access between destinations in Fife and East Lothian.
“The project has been made possible through partnership working between SEStran and East Lothian Council and substantial European funding which enabled the improvements to Galloways Pier, which now offers improved access to vessels during low tide.
“We are proud to be involved on a project that both reinstates historical links and establishes a new and improved service for local residents and visitors alike.”
In 2011 a plan by transport giant Stagecoach to operate a 20-minute hovercraft service between Kirkcaldy and Edinburgh failed to gain planning permission.
Return trips on the Anstruther-North Berwick route will run on selected days in August, subject to weather and sea conditions.
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