Full-size, self-driving bus services will begin in Scotland next month in what is believed to be a world first.

Stagecoach said the route over the Forth Road Bridge would launch on 15 May.

The 14-mile route will run between Ferrytoll park and ride in Fife and Edinburgh Park train and tram interchange.

Five single-decker autonomous buses will have the capacity for about 10,000 passenger journeys per week.

The vehicles have sensors enabling them to travel on pre-selected roads at up to 50mph.

They will have two members of staff on board.

A safety driver will sit in the driver’s seat to monitor the technology, and a so-called bus captain will help passengers with boarding, buying tickets and queries.

The UK government said Project CAVForth would be the world’s first full-size, self-driving public bus service.