Scotland to Europe ferry ‘could return at start of 2025 with government backing’

A FERRY connecting Scotland to mainland Europe could be reinstated in 2025 if the Scottish or UK Government helps with start-up funding, according to the shipping expert behind the project.

It comes after plans for the route – three return sailings per week from Rosyth to the French port of Dunkirk – had to be put on hold in January due to a “lack of financial support” from both Westminster and Holyrood.

Ferry operator DFDS said at the time that this lack of “commitment” made the business case for the route “less viable”.

Now, Derek Sloan of Ptarmigan Shipping has told The National that DFDS and other key stakeholders – including the Port of Rosyth and Port of Dunkerque – are still “fully committed to try and get the service running by the end of the first quarter of 2025”.

He added that he had recently approached both governments and had a “positive response so far” and believes that the new UK Government as well as the Scottish Parliament returning from recess should see more enthusiasm for the project.

Transport Scotland has previously expressed support for the route but stressed that it had to be delivered on a “commercial basis” – indicating no forthcoming financial support.

Douglas Chapman (below), who championed the project during his time as MP for Dunfermline – blamed Westminster for funding obstacles last month, telling The Courier: “Had we not had years of austerity, this is something the SNP government would be keen to support.”

(Image: Getty)

But Sloan stressed that the route isn’t looking to be subsidised and that it is “not a lot of funding”.

“It's nothing to do with subsidies. We’re looking for start-up infrastructure funding,” he said.

“It’s a better approach and one that they're looking more favourably on now.”

Ferries stopped sailing between Rosyth and the Belgian port of Zeebrugge six years ago, and the last that carried passenger services – and not just freight – was in 2010.

Currently, Scots need to travel down to Newcastle if they want to take a ferry to mainland Europe.

The UK and Scottish Governments have been approached for comment.