Post by ferryfast admin on Feb 12, 2006 23:10:55 GMT -5
SNP urges fund for international ferries
Feb 10th, 2006
ROBBIE DINWOODIE
THE HERALD
wwwtheherald.co.uk/
A new fund is needed to help attract international ferry routes to Scotland, according to the SNP.
The route development fund for air links has been a major factor in boosting the number of destinations that Scots can now fly to without having to go via English airports.
The call comes at a time when officials in Norway are examining the possibility of a service linking Kristiansund and Rosyth, which already has a ferry to Zeebrugge, Belgium.
Dagfinn Ripnes, mayor of Kristiansund, has pledged the full support of the local authority to establishing the link to Rosyth. The plan has the support of the mid-Norway area, which includes Trondheim.
Kenny MacAskill, the SNP MSP, said: "A maritime development fund would bring benefits economically through potential increased tourism and freight transportation, bringing jobs to the areas surrounding Scotland's ports. There are also potential environmental benefits if the routes can be developed as viable alternatives to both road and rail travel."
The Norwegians believe that cargo sent to Rosyth could then be shipped to Zeebrugge. In addition passengers could use the route for leisure and tourism, with big-spending Norwegians keen to visit Scotland, and the mid-Norway area a potential high-quality destination for ski holidays. Dr Bob McLellan, head of transportation at Fife Council, said: "There has already been significant investment into the port facility at Rosyth. We are currently building a £10m improved access road from the main road network to the port.
"The fact that we have invested means we are keen to see the introduction of any new ferry routes and we welcome the news that there appears to be interest in promoting a route from Rosyth to Norway."
Feb 10th, 2006
ROBBIE DINWOODIE
THE HERALD
wwwtheherald.co.uk/
A new fund is needed to help attract international ferry routes to Scotland, according to the SNP.
The route development fund for air links has been a major factor in boosting the number of destinations that Scots can now fly to without having to go via English airports.
The call comes at a time when officials in Norway are examining the possibility of a service linking Kristiansund and Rosyth, which already has a ferry to Zeebrugge, Belgium.
Dagfinn Ripnes, mayor of Kristiansund, has pledged the full support of the local authority to establishing the link to Rosyth. The plan has the support of the mid-Norway area, which includes Trondheim.
Kenny MacAskill, the SNP MSP, said: "A maritime development fund would bring benefits economically through potential increased tourism and freight transportation, bringing jobs to the areas surrounding Scotland's ports. There are also potential environmental benefits if the routes can be developed as viable alternatives to both road and rail travel."
The Norwegians believe that cargo sent to Rosyth could then be shipped to Zeebrugge. In addition passengers could use the route for leisure and tourism, with big-spending Norwegians keen to visit Scotland, and the mid-Norway area a potential high-quality destination for ski holidays. Dr Bob McLellan, head of transportation at Fife Council, said: "There has already been significant investment into the port facility at Rosyth. We are currently building a £10m improved access road from the main road network to the port.
"The fact that we have invested means we are keen to see the introduction of any new ferry routes and we welcome the news that there appears to be interest in promoting a route from Rosyth to Norway."