DUNFERMLINE and West Fife MP Douglas Chapman has been working hard to revive hopes of a Rosyth to Zeebrugge passenger and freight ferry service, which was well used by residents in the Cowdenbeath-Lochgelly area.

The MP from Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side, this week gave the Central Fife Times a progress report as the campaign gathers pace.

Douglas said: “People across Scotland 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. As the reality of Brexit sinks in, that starts to make people think about our future links with Europe, how we will trade in the future and how we keep friendly relations with our European neighbours".

He added: “What we are looking towards is the reinstatement of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge passenger and freight service. 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.

“What we are all searching for is a new operator who wants to make a long term and serious investment to put this service on the ferry map of Scotland and Europe. 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.

“The most recent discussions have taken place with the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Michael Mathieson MSP and in Westminster with Secretary of State for Scotland, David Mundell MP. 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".

Douglas

Mr Chapman went on: “Since Christmas we have also heard the Ministry of Transport announce they would support south coast ports and ferry services to the tune of £100m should there be a “no deal Brexit” to move traffic more freely from the UK to Europe. 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.

“The campaign is building up a head of steam and we will continue our search for an interested operator who sees Scotland at the heart of Europe and one who wants to see a sustainable ferry service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge. Brexit poses lots of problems and questions for us but we have to make the most of the current situation and I look forward to the day when Scotland’s Euro-ferry is sailing up and down the Forth on a regular basis taking our goods to the huge European market or bringing in our European neighbours who want to spend time in Scotland.”