Scottish Greens propose new ferry links to Europe

The Scottish Greens want to work with CalMac to establish new publicly owned ferry services to mainland Europe.

Ferries would sail from ports such as Rosyth, which had Scotland’s only direct ferry link to continental Europe until around 2008.

Party co-leader Lorna Slater said that Brexit-related tailbacks at English ports had shown there was a need for direct routes.

Ferries to mainland Europe would also offer low-carbon alternatives to flying for passengers and freight.

Slater said: “Scotland’s journey back to Europe starts at this election, and the Scottish Greens want to see new links established from places like Rosyth, which has the advantage of already having infrastructure in place.

“This is a significant strategic investment for Scotland.

“Brexit has shown we need more links to Europe, with tailbacks at English ports.

“And we have a publicly owned operator ready to step up to give Scots more opportunities to get to Europe without having to fly.

“I see Scotland being at the forefront of Europe’s plans to tackle the climate emergency, and new low-carbon ferries carrying freight and holidaymakers to the Continent would be a great start.”