PLANS for the return of a Scotland to mainland Europe ferry have stalled as the UK Treasury is reportedly “unable to fund the route directly”.
We previously reported on how the route could be reinstated in spring 2025 if either the UK Government or Scottish Government helps with start-up funding to redevelop the port facilities in Rosyth.
Passengers last travelled on the crossing between the Firth of Forth and Zeebrugge before it was shut down in 2010, after which the route became freight only.
DFDS Ferries are hoping to operate a route between Rosyth and Dunkirk, with campaigners noting that the three weekly return sailings could be “transformational” for Scotland.
Graeme Downie (below), the Labour MP for Dunfermline, met with Treasury minister Spencer Livermore last month as he looked to secure £3 million for the service.
But now plans have stalled as Downie exclusively revealed to The National that the UK Government is "unable” to fund the route directly.
The National understands that this is due to Labour’s new National Wealth Fund having a minimum threshold of £20m per project.
The MP added, however, that the UK Treasury has been “very helpful in introductions to SNIB [Scottish National Investment Bank] and other possible routes”.
He previously said that Rosyth was perfectly positioned for the service, with all that is needed is to improve some of the roads and access space for new security checks as well as the installation of power and associated works.
“It is estimated that a direct ferry link would carry 51,000 passengers per year, rising to 79,000 and bring an additional £11.5m spend to the Scottish economy each year on freight,” Downie said.
“I've spoken to major employers in the constituency, including Amazon and MOWI, who have both said they would welcome this ferry link as it would help their contribution to the local economy.”
His SNP predecessor, Douglas Chapman (above), also championed the project during his time as MP for the area – helping to bring all the necessary partners together.
But the project has been beset by delays.
Downie also previously wrote to Scotland’s Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop about “other issues” or "barriers" for the route.
This, Downie said, included “amending the necessary legislation” that would allow border control previously utilised by Grangemouth to be used for the route and the Scottish Government confirming Transport Scotland funding for the Waterborne Freight Grant (WFG) scheme.
Transport Scotland have since said that they are liaising with DFDS on the potential for a WFG application but have repeatedly stressed that the route had to be delivered on a “commercial basis”.
The UK Treasury have been approached for comment.
