A six million euro investment in Rosyth’s continental ferry is of “huge significance” for Fife and Scotland, according to Fife’s depute leader Lesley Laird.
Mrs Laird welcomed the news DFDS Seaways and Forth Ports will invest the money to develop Scotland’s only direct sea route to Europe.
Last week the route operator and the private company responsible for several docks pledged to invest in upgrades for the freight service.
They were outlined to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, who said the route was hugely important for trade, where discussions also looked at potential route development plans.
“We’re delighted to hear that DFDS is committing to this investment in Fife,” she said.
“Any uncertainty over the future of the service at Rosyth would now appear to be put to bed with this announcement.”
The councillor said details of timetable frequency and fare structures were still to be announced “but the main thing right now is that the operation of the ferry has been secured”.
She pledged Fife Council was committed to working with businesses in Fife and in neighbouring local authority areas to promote maximum uptake of the service from Rosyth.
“This amount of investment and the commitment behind it is of huge significance to Rosyth, Fife and also to Scotland.
“It keeps open that important economic link between the east coast of Scotland to Europe and provides businesses with a real alternative to road haulage and lengthy drives to England and the south.
“Not only is that good news for business, it is also good news for the transport network and for the environment,” she said.
Mrs Laird added this was a further positive development for Rosyth, and was an important element in helping to make the kingdom the best place to do business.
“We look forward to working and supporting DFDS Seaways.”