PLANS for a ferry from Scotland to mainland Europe are continuing to face delays.
No further progress has been made since it was announced in January that the Rosyth to Dunkirk ferry was expected to be delayed until spring 2026.
The National reported at the time that this was due to issues with border control in Rosyth and continued funding delays.
And now, DFDS, the ferry operator planning the route, has confirmed that no progress has been made since then.
French outlet Connexion reports that the Rosyth port requires an upgrade before the service can launch.
DFDS has already asked the Scottish Government for grants to cover the cost of installing passenger-handling facilities and customs-related equipment at Rosyth.
A spokesperson for DFDS told Connexion: "Given the time that it will take to get the service up and running, that means I do not see the service starting this summer."
Earlier this month, Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said discussions are set to take place in the coming weeks.
She told Parliament on July 2: "My officials are in touch with the company behind the new proposed new route and relevant Scottish Government and Defra officials are looking at arranging a meeting as early as next week to look at possible solutions that would allow this project to go ahead."
The Scottish Government has previously said that it supports the development of Scotland's ports and the potential for new passenger ferry services linking it to mainland Europe.
DFDS reportedly has a ship for the route, while Dunkirk port has said it is fully ready for the service to begin.
The route is expected to run three weekly return sailings.
Once operational, it is estimated that around 80,000 passengers will use the service each year.
