Ferry operators urged to re-think Zeebrugge axe

Operators of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry were today urged to look again at running passenger services to Europe, even if only in the summer.

Lothians SNP MSP Ian McKee said he hoped DFDS Seaways, which recently switched to a freight-only service, would consider restoring Scotland's only passenger ferry link to the continent.

He said: "I think there is quite a demand in the summer.

"I can understand in winter that might not be the case, but it seems they are cutting themselves off from a bit of business."

Edinburgh's economic development leader Tom Buchanan said the council had held talks with other ferry operators about developing North Sea routes.

A spokesman for DFDS Seaways said: "Our focus is currently on creating a successful freight service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge.

"However, we have received the Scottish Government's request about the passenger service, and we will continue to review all of these."