A campaign to reinstate Rosyth’s ferry links with Zeebrugge is gathering pace.
“No one I’ve spoken to from government ministers, to port authorities and industry insiders have suggested that this service couldn’t be viable or couldn’t be a success,” said local SNP MP Douglas Chapman who has been working to revive hopes of both a passenger and freight service.
The search has started for a new operator which will make a long term, serious investment in putting the service “on the ferry map”, he said.
“Discussions are taking place now with potential operators.
“I remain hopeful that such an operator can see the exciting prospect of moving our exports and passengers by sea from the heart of Scotland to the heart of Europe and vice versa.
“People in Courier Country really miss the previous ferry service which left from Rosyth for Europe.
“The goodwill that I’ve picked up throughout the campaign for a new service never fails to impress me and serves as a great motivator to deliver this for our people and our economy.”
Mr Chapman, who has had recent discussions with Scottish Transport Minister Michael Matheson and Scottish Secretary David Mundell, added: “We are not asking for a direct subsidy for the route yet, but in discussions, both government ministers see the benefits to Scotland of such a service and having their support at the highest levels of government in Edinburgh and in London is a bonus to the campaign.”
Amid fears of south coast port chaos in the turmoil of a possible no deal Brexit, Westminister’s Ministry of Transport announced it would invest £100 million in ferry services.
Mr Chapman added: “I would hope that if Brexit deal is delivered then some of that ‘no deal’ money could be re-allocated to Scotland to support ferry services such a Rosyth-Zeebrugge.
“We need to be supporting Scottish exporters from here and help them avoid any customs log jam at Dover or any other South coast port.
“For passengers, a ferry service will attract a different kind of tourist to Scotland – they’ll bring their motor home, car or their bike and not everyone likes the prospect of flying – so there’s a considerable tourist market there we could be tapping into more effectively.”
He said the campaign was building up a head of steam and the search would continue for an operator.
“Brexit poses lots of problems and questions for us but we have to make the most of the current situation,” he said, added he looked forward to the day Scotland’s Euro ferry was sailing along the Forth.
