Government urged to help save Rosyth ferry service

LOTHIAN MSPs have backed calls for the Scottish Government to help restore a passenger service between Rosyth and Zeebrugge,

Operator DFDS Seaways announced earlier this month that Scotland's only direct passenger ferry link to the continent would cease by the end of the year. It said the route was not profitable enough and would now become freight-only.

A motion tabled in the Scottish Parliament by Labour's John Park noted with concern the DFDS announcement and called on the government to support the reintroduction of a passenger service and develop Rosyth's status as an international transport hub.

Among those backing the motion are Labour MSPs Rhona Brankin (Midlothian), George Foulkes (Lothians), Malcolm Chisholm (Edinburgh North & Leith) and Mary Mulligan (Linlithgow).

Mr Chisholm said: "It's important we have alternative ways to go to the continent other than flying. I hope the government will do everything they can to persuade the company to think again."