Labour MP Graeme Downie has welcomed UK Government funding to support a proposed ferry link between Rosyth and mainland Europe, after he pushed for the significant boost for the local economy.
The comments follow confirmation that £3 million has been allocated to upgrade infrastructure at the Port of Rosyth, including Border Force and customs facilities, to enable a potential ferry route to Dunkirk, the UK Defence Journal understands.
Downie said the development marked a long-awaited milestone for the region. “The return of a passenger and freight ferry service from Rosyth to Europe is incredible news for Rosyth, Dunfermline, Fife and the rest of Scotland,” he said.
He linked the project to wider UK Government policy, adding: “This connection, talked about for many years, has now been delivered thanks to the UK Labour government, with this funding and with the UK-EU trade deal announced last year.”
The proposed service would carry both freight and passengers and would represent the first direct maritime link between Scotland and continental Europe in around 15 years, subject to a commercial agreement between operators and approval of a business case.
Downie said the investment would help unlock wider economic benefits. “By committing £3 million for improvements to the Port of Rosyth, we will bring back this service, providing the people of Fife with direct routes to mainland Europe and encouraging visitors from across the continent. This is fantastic news for Fifers, our businesses and our local economy.”
He also criticised the Scottish Government’s position, stating: “While the SNP talk about bringing Scotland closer to Europe, they have set themselves against taking any action to make it happen. Less than two years into a UK Labour government, we have made this a reality… This Labour Government is putting Scotland back in the heart of Europe.”
