FIFE Council has today (Thursday) wholeheartedly welcomed the announcement that Norfolkline will be taking over the Rosyth to Zebrugge ferry route.

Councillor Peter Grant, leader of the administration said: "I'm delighted that our ferry link to mainland Europe is to be reinstated.

"We are rightly proud of the fact that in Rosyth we have Scotland's gateway to Europe.  We have come through the disappointment of the Superfast announcement because we always firmly believed that the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route could support a commercial ferry service.  That belief, and the determination shown by Fife Council, the Scottish Government and Forth Ports, has made today's announcement possible.

"Norfolkline are one of the most highly regarded ferry operators in Europe.  At a time of great uncertainty in the global economy they have committed themselves to running a successful service from Rosyth.  This is a massive vote of confidence in the Port of Rosyth and a huge boost to Fife."
Councillor Tony Martin, chair of the environment, enterprise and transportation committee said: "We're looking forward to working with Norfolkline in the coming months. The ferry route is of vital importance to the local, national and international economy and is a lifeline for many Scottish freight operators. For Rosyth to be maintained as the European gateway to Scotland it's fantastic to have such a high calibre company as Norfolkline in Fife."

"While it's disappointing that we won't have a seamless service with Norfolkline taking over services this month, the new ferry represents a brand new start for the service. Ands it's a new start that we will be fully supportive of. As well as working with Norfolkline, we'll be working with our partners and tourist authorities to ensure that the new service is a resounding success.

"With the potential that Rosyth has to be further developed as a national transport hub, we really can't underestimate the role that the port and ferry will play in improving conditions for economic development."