Uncertainty Over Ferry Route

The Scottish Government's being urged to accelerate efforts to finalise a rescue deal for the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry.

Fife Council raised concerns in October that a financial support agreement is only in place until the end of March.

The First Minister recently revealed proposals to safeguard the route by building a new vessel.

Councillors have written to Ministers for a second time calling for an urgent meeting.

Fife Council deputy leader, Lesley Laird said: "The announcement in November was most welcome but there still remains a number of crucial outstanding questions that the Cabinet Secretary must answer.

"That is why I have written yet again seeking an urgent meeting. Fife has one of the largest manufacturing bases in Scotland, and local employers are amongst the many businesses that depend on this service for export routes.

"The current financial support agreement is only in place until the end of March 2015 and it is vital to Fife this is extended until the new ferry is up and running. There is typically a long lead time before a new build ferry is in service and that’s why we need to know what the commissioning process for the new ferry will be and how long this is likely to take.

Cllr Laird added: "From an economic perspective it would also be good to understanding what the tender process for the new ferry will be.

"We also need guarantees about service standards, shipping times, costs and capacity on the new route.

"This could be fantastic boost to the Fife economy opening up new employment and supply chain opportunities for businesses here in Fife and other parts of Scotland.

"With all these areas yet to be agreed it's essential that the Minister meets with the council in the next few weeks.

"There will undoubtedly be job opportunities from this too so we want to make sure the Scottish Government will support Fife businesses getting a fair crack at any future work and that Fife gets the opportunity to live up to its growing reputation as the best place to do business."