FMQs: Scottish Government urged to reinstate direct ferry service to Europe
The First Minister has been urged to take action on “Brexit bureaucracy” and work to reinstate a direct ferry service between Scotland and mainland Europe.
Scottish Greens MSP Mark Ruskell has been in discussions with Transport Cabinet Secretary Fiona Hyslop to see a ferry service in operation between Rosyth and Dunkirk, creating a direct route for freight and passengers from Scotland.
There is a willingness from the Westminster Government to support actions needed to get the ferry service running, but so-called “Brexit bureaucracy” over border control ports need to be agreed upon.
Speaking at First Minister’s Questions today, Mr Ruskell asked:
“To ask the First Minister what actions the Scottish Government is taking to secure a direct ferry route between Scotland and France?”
First Minister John Swinney said his government is determined to support action to make this ferry route possible, and that he believes Scotland's future is in the European Union.
In his second question, Mr Ruskell asked:
“Well, can I thank the First Minister for that response. I absolutely welcome the engagement with the cabinet secretary earlier in the week.
“It's absolutely clear that a direct ferry service between Rosyth and Dunkirk would be a great win for the economy and the environment. It would be wonderful news for all of us who cherish our connections with the rest of Europe.
“I understand the ferry operators, DFDS, want to move forward to start sailing in spring next year. Forth Ports around Rosyth want progress. The Port of Dunkirk have bought in. And the Westminster government is also supportive.
“The only thing that is getting in the way, First Minister, is Brexit bureaucracy around the location of a border control post. Time is ticking.
“A resolution needs to be found by the end of June to secure the service, First Minister.
“Are you able to take the lead, to convene stakeholders and to resolve these remaining issues and get this over the line?”
Speaking after FMQ’s, Mr Ruskell said:
“We are within touching distance of connecting Fife to France through a direct ferry service, but Brexit Bureaucracy is getting in the way.
“I’m pleased that both the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary have agreed to lead talks to resolve the issue of a Border Control Post but time is ticking and operators need certainty by the end of this month.
"For years people have been waiting for the Rosyth ferry to come back, it needs to happen by Spring 2026, stakeholders need the certainty that any fix in the regulations can be delivered in time.”