PLANS for the return of a Scotland to mainland Europe ferry have been delayed until spring 2026.
Derek Sloan – the shipping expert behind the project – told The National that the delay was due to issues with border control in Rosyth and continued funding delays.
He stressed, however, that the implementation partners are still in place and ready to take the project forward.
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.
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 (above) met with Treasury minister Spencer Livermore last month as he looked to secure £3 million for the service.
But the Labour MP for Dunfermline has since confirmed to The National that the UK Treasury is “unable to fund the route directly” – apparently due to Labour’s new National Wealth Fund having a minimum threshold of £25m per project.
Transport Scotland have previously said that they are liaising with DFDS on the potential for a Waterborne Freight Grant (WFG) scheme application but have repeatedly stressed that the route had to be delivered on a “commercial basis”.
Downie 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.
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.
Sloan previously said that 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.
