Tuesday, 15th July 2008
Rosyth to Zebrugge ferry thrown lifeline
Dear Sirs,
The news that the European Commission could give a 30% subsidy to the Rosyth to Zebrugge ferry has thrown a much-needed lifeline to any potential new operators. This is good news, although I am a little surprised that Superfast - the current operators who say they are pulling out because the route is not financially viable - didn't know about it!
When I invited the then Transport Commissioner, Jaques Barrot, over to Scotland in early May this year to view our transport system, he was suitably impressed by our rail, road, sea and air links. It was therefore a crushing blow to learn that our one major sea-link to Continental Europe was about to end. It is of major importance to Scotland’s future economic growth, both for trade and for tourism, that we keep this link between Scotland and our European neighbours open for business.
Struan Stevenson MEP
