The Scottish Government has stated its commitment to securing the long-term future of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service.
It came in response to a challenge from Fife Council deputy leader Lesley Laird, who wrote toformer transport minister Keith Brown, who is now Cabinet Secretary for Infrastructure, Investment and Cities.
After Fife Council wrote to the Scottish Government in October about concerns over the ferry service, the First Minister revealed potential proposals to safeguard the route through support for the acquisition of a new vessel.
Fife Council has since written to the transport minister to seek an urgent meeting to clarify important details about the potential rescue deal but he has not responded with a date to meet Fife’s representatives.
Mrs Laird said: “The announcement in November was most welcome but there still remains a number of crucial outstanding questions the minister must answer.
“That is why I have written yet again seeking an urgent meeting.
“Fife has one of the largest manufacturing bases in Scotland and local employers are amongst the many businesses that depend on this service for export routes.
“The current financial support agreement is only in place until the end of March 2015 and it is vital to Fife this is extended until the new ferry is up and running.
“There is typically a long lead time before a new build ferry is in service and that’s why we need to know what the commissioning process for the new ferry will be and how long this is likely to take.”
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are committed to securing the long-term future of the Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service as we strongly believe this is in the best interests of hauliers and businesses, as well as for DFDS and Forth Ports.
“We signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with DFDS and Forth Ports in November, which set out a series of actions to work towards ensuring the route remains viable in the longer term.
“All parties remain committed to the future of the route and are working on the detailed issues in line with the MOU.
“The Rosyth to Zeebrugge Ferry is Scotland’s only direct sea link to the continent.
“It is an important link for the freight industry and Scottish businesses.
“Its loss would create logistical difficulties as well as put a significant amount of lorry miles back on to roads in Scotland and the north of England.”