Forth Road Bridge closed: Fife braced for hit to tourism

Leading figures in Fife’s tourism industry have warned the closure of the Forth Road Bridge will impact on businesses.

Appeals have been made by industry leaders for improved public transport links while the crossing is closed, to ensure Fife’s businesses are not forgotten about over the festive period.

Alistair Bruce, chairman of the Fife Tourism Partnership, said: “There is no doubt that the closure will have a significant impact on tourism.

“Safety at the bridge is clearly the main priority but it is essential that the alternative road routes and train services are looked at to give travellers safe and reliable ways of getting between Fife and Edinburgh.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Owen, the general manager of Rufflets House Hotel at St Andrews, said: “Travelling in and out of Edinburgh as part of the Christmas and New Year holiday experience is a big attraction for all our guests, especially those from overseas and we need to be sure that the train service is up to the job.”