Get the Glasgow stories that matter to you sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

A powerboat operator has put forward a bold plan which would allow passengers to get from Glasgow city centre to the airport in just 25 minutes - by boat on the River Clyde.

John Hillis, who currently runs Pacific Quay Powerboats - providing 'fast boat experiences' on the river, believes that his plan would also offer new visitors 'a stunning introduction to the city.'

Speaking to The Scotsman newspaper, Hillis explained that the service would run between White Cart Water and the city.

Passengers on his proposed airport service would not travel in one of his powerboats but would instead go at a more leisurely pace, being ferried on a vessel travelling at around 31 miles per hour.

It wouldn't be the quickest way to travel, but it would offer a few incredible views - not to mention a congestion free journey.

"There are already plans for a tram-train link, and with the existing M8, the river is an obvious third option," said Hillis. "The views and the experience will make it the best way to arrive in Glasgow, passing landmarks such as the Glasgow Science Centre, the Armadillo and Finnieston Crane.

“It is the classic scene shown on those postcards of the city – with audio commentary along the way.”

The plan is for services to set sail every half hour with two ten-seat vessels running the journey. If approved golf buggies would then run the passengers along the 500m stretch to the airport with their luggage once they had disembarked. The buggies would eventually be replaced by an electric, moving walkway.

His plan could, however, be sunk by a survey which was carried out by the Scottish Government five years ago and stated that a river taxi service would be “impractical for access to the airport”. Trams, which can also run on rail lines, were declared a more viable option.

It would, however, showcase the millions invested in the river in recent decades by both Glasgow City Council and the Scottish Government, with the former currently looking at ways to further improve and use the riverfront as part of a city wide development plan.