Moves to reinstate the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry link are gathering support.
Hauliers are said to be backing the bid for a new direct service from Scotland to the heart of Europe, as the long drive to southern ports is hitting them in the pocket.
A regional transportation body has thrown its weight behind the idea by suggesting the huge rise in the number of tourists visiting the area could prove key to its success.
Colin Davidson, vice-chair of Sestran (South East of Scotland Transport Partnership), said everyone from Forth Ports to haulage companies wants to see the link re-established.
He said the issue had been discussed at a Sestran meeting this week and the next step is to arrange further talks between the Scottish Government’s transport authority, local authorities and ferry operators.
Search is on to find new operator to reinstate Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry link
The Fife Labour councillor, vice-chair of Sestran’s rail and freight committee, added: “It’s not beyond the realms of possibility.
“The intention is to ask the Scottish Government to find an operator and see if the numbers stack up.”
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Mr Davidson said that if there was demand for freight there was the potential for tourism.
“There are more than 100 cruise ships expected to dock in the Forth this year so the tourism demand is there,” he said.
“The Superfast ferry is expensive to run but we don’t need one like that.
“A service could be run at half the cost and marketed as a mini-cruise. It’s a viable route.”
The Courier revealed in January discussions had already begun in the search for a ferry company, with a number of potential operators taking part.
Dunfermline and West Fife SNP MP Douglas Chapman has had talks with Scottish Transport Minister Michael Matheson and Scottish Secretary David Mundell and said both had seen the benefits to Scotland.
“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,”Mr Chapman said.
Westminster has already pledged to invest £100 million in ferry services amid fears of south coast port chaos in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
There is no suggestion yet that any of the money will fund a Scottish service but Mr Chapman said he hoped some would be reallocated to help support Scottish exporters.
