The First Minister has said there is an “absolute determination” to see Rosyth’s ferry service to mainland Europe run again.
With a serious fire on board putting one of the loss-making route’s vessels out of commission for many months, the company said it was closing the service permanently.
In response to Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser, Nicola Sturgeon said Transport Minister Humza Yousaf had already had talks with the ferry company while officials had had discussions with Forth Ports to look at the range of options which may be available.
“It is deeply disappointing and regrettable that the service has been withdrawn by the current operator.
“Not long after I became First Minister, I was involved in discussions with that company to secure its future.
“We want to make sure that we explore all options to get a service running again,” the First Minister added.
Mr Fraser raised the importance of the service, which has operated from the Fife port since 2002, to the Scottish economy as a whole.
“I was disappointed to learn of DFDS’ decision to axe the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry route as this is a blow to not just the local Fife economy but the wider Scottish economy.
“When the passenger route was axed in 2010, we were assured that the freight service would continue but here we are facing another cut.
“I would hope that the Scottish Government makes a concerted effort to find a new operator for the route should they fail to convince DFDS to reverse their decision.
“I welcome the First Minister’s commitment as it is vital that businesses have convenient access to freight routes to European markets.”
The Conservative MSP added the loss of the service, which had already been reduced from a combined passenger and freight route to freight only, will also reduce connectivity between Scotland and the export markets in Europe
