I have called on the Scottish and UK Governments to come together and work together to investigate the potential benefits of a newly proposed ferry route running from Rosyth to Dunkirk directly.
The proposals, which would see both passenger and freight ferries travelling directly from Scotland to France, have been put forward by Derek Sloan of Ptarmigan Shipping Ltd. and involve key stakeholders DFDS Shipping Denmark, Port of Rosyth and Port of Dunkerque.
Mr Sloan has 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.
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.
