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Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Concern over the future of ferry services, the economy and the environment

Concern over the future of ferry services, the economy and the environment

I see no reason why this service cannot be carried on, as Scotland wants to be in the mainstream of Europe with the economy expanding. It would help the industry and tourism of both nations if this was kept going.

The ferry takes up to 120 cars, up to 100 trucks, and up to 1000 passengers - and it is not a daily service - it only runs every two / three days.

Keeping this service going means that tourists and freight don't have to travel down to Hull to travel to Zebrugge, and this helps make Rosyth a alternative gateway to Scotland.

With the cost of fuel and the damage that is being done to the environment, I feel strongly that we should look at the viability of a car ferry from Dunbar to Anstruther in Fife as it's 94 miles round the coast road. I believe it's 7 or 8 miles across the Forth. This would require work on the Harbours at the two sites, but this would help the economy and save on congestion heading towards the Forth Road Bridge. This would also help tourism in Fife and the Scottish borders, and save on transportation times between Aberdeen and Newcastle.

Although this would require a substanstial financial investment, the benefits over the years would repay itself. Take for example the Greenock to Dunoon route, which supports four ferries because the land route alternative takes so long. This obviously works on the West Coast, so why not utilise it on the East Coast?

I fully support the reintroduction of the hovercraft ferry between Portobello and Kirkcaldy as it is 32 miles around the road, and this would save on congestion and pollution. With a bus service linking the hovercraft to the centres of the city and town, it would effectively create a park and ride for Kirkcaldy.

Edinburgh Council is always saying that they want to encourage regeneration in the city centre of shops and businesses without the extra traffic. The above measure would help take Edinburgh into the 21st century.