European ferry link boosted by advance bookings

THE operator of Scotland’s new direct ferry link to Europe has revealed it has taken more than 50,000 advance bookings, a month before the service is launched.

Superfast Ferries has also predicted the route between Rosyth and Zeebrugge, in Belgium, will boost North Sea traffic by 7 per cent.

Ticket sales have been highest in Germany - Scotland’s largest continental tourist market - with 1.5 million visitors a year. Superfast said there had also been strong demand from France and Belgium.

Nightly sailings in each direction will take 17.5 hours, with fares next month starting at 48 for passengers and 65 for cars.

However, Forth Ports, which operates Rosyth, said the passenger terminal will not be completed in time for the launch on 17 May. Temporary buildings will be used for at least the first two months.

A 12 million grant for a freight terminal at Rosyth was confirmed in December, and Forth Ports said it would be ready in time.