This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
Listen
Scotland Close To Clinching Euro Ferry Link - Henry McLeish
07/09/2000
The launch of the first ever direct ferry service between Scotland and continental Europe is now within our grasp, Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning, Henry McLeish said today.
Announcing the possibility of a new link from Fife, Mr McLeish said that Scotland's industry and tourism would receive a massive boost when it is launched.
Greek-based company, Superfast Ferries has been chosen as the preferred operator of a new service linking Rosyth in Fife with a major port on the European mainland.
After Scottish Enterprise research identified the commercial viability of a new service between Scotland and Europe a steering group was set up to evaluate business plans from interested operators.
Announcing today that Superfast Ferries are the steering group's preferred operators, Mr McLeish said:
"I am delighted to announce that Scotland is a step closer to securing its first ever commercial ferry link to Europe.
"When this service is launched it will revolutionise the trade and tourist links between Scotland and mainland Europe.
"For years Scottish industry has been calling for improved transport links with the European market through a direct ferry route. Such a service would drastically cut the time and costs incurred by Scottish firms who trade with our European partners.
"It would also bring massive benefits to our exporters and increase Scotland's pull for inward investment.
"The service would also make a massive impact on tourism. It would open up a new gateway for foreign visitors to holiday in Scotland and allow them to bring their cars here directly.
"This would reduce the chance of valuable tourist revenue being lost to England, as it currently is when foreign visitors use English ports for Scottish holidays.
"The Scottish Executive is committed to driving this process forward and securing our first ever direct ferry link with Europe. The opportunities for Fife and the whole of Scotland are too great to pass up.
"I will be meeting with all the partners involved in this venture in the near future and underlining the Scottish Executive's commitment. I'm sure that if we all work together the new service will be up and running very soon".
BACKGROUND
- The steering group comprised Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Tourist Board, Scottish Enterprise Fife and Fife Council called for business plans from interested operators in December 1999.
News Release: SE2399/2000
7 Sep 2000