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.”
This comes as the Scottish Government has announced £6 million in funding to support offshore wind and maritime infrastructure projects in the Inner Moray Firth and Stornoway, including investment in Navantia UK’s Arnish yard, the Scottish Government stated.
The package includes £3.9 million for the Ardersier Energy Transition Facility, which will provide infrastructure for fixed and floating offshore wind projects, and £2.05 million for Navantia UK to expand capabilities at Arnish. A further £965,000 will support pre-construction work to enable future development at the site.
At Arnish, the investment will fund new plant and equipment to handle larger offshore projects and improve energy efficiency. The project is expected to create more than 75 jobs, with the workforce forecast to grow from around 150 to 250 over the next decade, according to the Scottish Government.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: “The growth of both Ardersier Energy Transition Facility and Navantia’s operations at Arnish will bring meaningful benefits to Lewis and the Highlands. Offshore wind is one of the biggest economic opportunities Scotland has ever had.” She added: “These investments will significantly boost Scotland’s clean energy sector, support new well-paid, skilled jobs in Stornoway and boost economic opportunity at Ardersier.”
Navantia UK CEO Donato Martinez said: “This support will help accelerate our investment programme at Arnish, a facility with a strong track record in complex offshore fabrication and a highly skilled workforce.” He added the upgrades would position the yard for future offshore wind and energy projects.
Ian Cobban, interim chief executive of Haventus, owner of the Ardersier site, said: “Ardersier now enters its operational phase at a moment when the UK’s security of energy supply is a focus of attention… we look forward to playing our part as a central element in the supply chain for a new national and global industry.”
The funding is being delivered through Highlands and Islands Enterprise and forms part of wider Scottish Government investment in offshore wind supply chains and port infrastructure.
