MORE cruise passengers docking at Rosyth is proving to be a financial boost for Dunfermline.

That’s according to Peter Wilson, manager of the Forth Cruise Project which has been encouraging more visitors to leave the ship and discover the city’s historical attractions.

Volunteers meet and greet passengers in Rosyth and accompany interested explorers on the free shuttle bus, funded by Fife Council, to the centre of Dunfermline.

Last week saw an estimated 200 passengers use the service and, according to Mr Wilson, businesses are already benefiting with visitors returning to the ship with bulging shopping bags.

He said, “According to CruiseBritain over a million passengers visit UK ports each year and with Rosyth on Dunfermline’s doorstep we are well placed to benefit by making our city a welcoming place for visitors.

“The request by the ship this week that the volunteers extend the service we provide to bring visitors up to Dunfermline provides significant reassurance that the effort to promote the town to the cruise market on the River Forth is paying dividends.” However, with significant competition from Edinburgh and other destinations, Mr Wilson believes more must be done to ensure Dunfermline continues to maximise opportunities. He said, “Other cities offer bespoke offers, place welcoming signs on shop windows and brief staff so they know to expect cruise passengers. “This can make all the difference when gaining positive feedback, which in turns creates momentum.

“We very much hope that in turn local businesses will start to recognise the opportunity that the thousands of cruise passengers arriving at Rosyth present.” The feedback from visitors has been so positive that cruise operators are getting behind the initiative, promoting it to passengers and in some cases, contributing to the cost of the shuttle bus.

Councillor Lesley Laird said, “This is a great example of partnership working. “Peter and his team of local people have really put their heart and soul into this project and their efforts are paying off for Dunfermline. “The council, and its local tourism association, has been delighted to support and encourage this approach and with potentially wider tourism development in the area there is a real optimism around the ongoing development of tourism in West Fife.” Maggie Mitchell, chief executive of Dunfermline Delivers, added, “We have been working with Peter to support the Cruise Forth Project, which has not only the potential to boost tourism revenue for BID members but also to raise the profile of Dunfermline.” Any businesses interested in supporting Cruise Forth Project should email Maggie@connectingwithyou.com.