A NEW ferry link between East Lothian and Fife is to be launched next month, with the aim of boosting tourism.

The new ferry crossing, which will be between North Berwick and Anstruther, is a joint enterprise by the Scottish Seabird Centre and Seafari Adventures, and hopes to forge improved tourism links between East Lothian and Fife.

The journey will take about 45 minutes, rather than the two-hour drive time, and day return tickets will be available at £25 for adults, £15 for children and £20 for concessions.

This new excursion has roots in a long history, with boat trips between North Berwick and Fife dating back to at least 950AD.

The ‘Pilgrims’ Ferry’ transported religious worshipers across the Forth to visit the relics of Scotland’s patron saint at St Andrews. At its height, some 10,000 pilgrims made the crossing every year.

Now, the journey on offer is quite a different experience, with passengers able to travel on the custom-built, 55-seat, Seafari Explorer, which was launched by Seafari Adventures and the Seabird Centre in March 2013.

Tom Brock, chief executive of the Seabird Centre, in North Berwick, said: “At the Seabird Centre, 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.” Colin Aston, Seafari Adventures managing director, said: “This is a new excursion project we have been working on for some time and 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.” Meanwhile Russell Imrie, chair of SEStran (South East Scotland Transport Partnership), added: “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 the Galloway 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.” And Councillor John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s spokesperson for economic development and tourism, added: “Projects like this which have the potential to increase tourism in East Lothian have to be welcomed wholeheartedly and a ferry service between North Berwick and Fife is bound to be of interest to locals and visitors alike.

“This has been a great collaborative effort between the council, North Berwick Harbour Trust Association, traders and the Seabird Centre.

“Following on from the recent Scottish Open at Gullane, this will be another great draw to East Lothian and I hope many visitors will come to enjoy our world-class food and drink, great festivals and glorious golf!” The ferry will run first on August 7, while return trips will run on selected days next month, subject to weather and sea conditions.

For more information, contact the Scottish Seabird Centre on 01620 890202 or email info@seabird.org