AN MSP has called on the Scottish and UK Governments to “come together and work together” to work on the reinstatement of a Scotland to Europe ferry.
The National reported in January on how plans for the route – three return sailings per week from Rosyth to the French port of Dunkirk – had to be put on hold due to a “lack of financial support” from either Westminster or Holyrood.
Derek Sloan – the shipping expert behind the project – said that “considerable progress” had been made and that the implementation partners are still in place and ready to take the project forward.
Sloan has also claimed the demand from the public, Scottish exporters and importers, the freight transport, and tourism sectors has been immense, with all stressing the need for a direct route from Scotland to continental Europe – with Visit Scotland and Fife Council also very supportive of the project.
Now, local MSP Alex Rowley, who is Scottish Labour’s transport spokesperson, has called on the UK and Scottish Governments to “fully investigate the proposal,” stating that “this needs to be driven at a government level”.
Commenting, Rowley said: “I was delighted to meet with Derek Sloan of Ptarmigan Shipping Ltd to find out more about the proposals being put forward by him and key stakeholders DFDS Shipping Denmark, Port of Rosyth and Port of Dunkerque to deliver a new shipping route for freight and passengers from Rosyth to Dunkirk.
“Given the potential economic, environmental and tourism benefits this new service could bring, it is crucial that both the UK and Scottish Governments come together, work together and fully investigate the proposal’s viability.
“If the proposal is indeed viable and deliverable, this project has the potential to generate significant economic growth for Scotland and is already being supported by stakeholders in the freight industry and tourism sector.
“One of the major barriers to the success of this route would be the level of infrastructure needed to fulfil post-Brexit Border Force requirements and I believe one way both the UK and Scottish Governments could support this project if deemed viable would be exploring alternative solutions to these issues such as the use of existing facilities at other sites.
“I have written to both the Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, and the Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray MP, to request meetings to discuss this proposal further and what our two governments can do to drive this proposal forward, properly interrogate what is being proposed and ensuring there is a sustainable future for this ferry route.”
The Scottish and UK Governments have been approached for comment.
