WEST FIFE'S MP has vowed to keep pursuing a Scotland to Europe ferry link “until we see results”.

Last year, Douglas Chapman said he was "hugely optimistic" about sailings starting up again from Rosyth and has now quizzed a UK Government minister on support for the initiative.

He said there was "momentum building" and stated: “This is an issue close to my heart.

“The Port of Rosyth is well placed to act as a transport hub linking Scotland to mainland Europe.

“Given the disastrous effects of Brexit on our exporters, it’s vital to keep up the pressure over this issue.

“I do think there is momentum building and I am determined to keep pursuing this until we see results."

At Westminster, Mr Chapman asked what steps the UK Government had taken to introduce a direct ferry link between Scotland and Europe.

Iain Stewart, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Scotland, said the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry service had closed in 2018 due to commercial reasons and added: "I think there are lots of potentials for re-opening that.

"It is primarily a matter for the Scottish Government but I'm happy to work with him and his colleagues to explore all these opportunities."

Superfast Ferries started sailing from Rosyth to Zeebrugge in 2002, the service proved popular and was then taken on by Norfolkline. They stopped carrying passengers in 2010 when it became freight-only.

The ferry service was then operated by DFDS but a fire on board the Finlandia Seaways ship in April 2018 hastened the end.

The company said they could not find a replacement and “lost all hope” of turning around losses on Scotland's only direct sea link to Europe.

Mr Chapman has long campaigned for it to return and in December said: "I remain hugely optimistic that 2022 will see a direct freight and passenger Euro ferry service from Rosyth.”

He added he was confident the link would be re-established and said plans were "well advanced" with a business case being prepared.

And during a debate at Westminster last month, the MP said: "We’ve seen massive investment as part of the levelling-up agenda, in terms of Tillbury, Teesside and the Channel ports.

“So, why are we not getting and seeing the same level of investment in maritime in Scotland?"

Mr Chapman said the move would help Scottish exports and added: "Brexit has had an enormous and devastating impact on these businesses and until a direct Scotland-EU ferry route is established, the Government must step in and support them."