Ship operator Norfolkline took on the Rosyth to Zeebrugge service after it was ditched by Superfast in 2008.

A booking service has now been set up and the ferry is due to sail three times a week each way from May 18.

Scottish Government transport minister Stewart Stevenson said the link would help boost tourist numbers in next year's Homecoming celebrations, a series of events designed to bring Scots back to the country from across the world.

"Maintaining connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland, particularly during these challenging economic times," he said.

"In the six years this route has been operating, it has carried nearly one million passengers, 4.2 million tonnes of freight and made a significant contribution to Scotland's tourist industry."

The last operator announced in May 2008that it would sail for the last time on September 13 2008.

Norfolkline said its ship will depart from Zeebrugge in Belgium every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from Rosyth in Fife every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

Charles Hammond, group chief executive at Forth Ports, said: "It comes at a time when every effort should be made to encourage economic activity.

"With a direct ferry link, Scotland can once again promote its world renowned tourism centres to a much wider audience while hauliers can look forward to reduced transport costs and faster access to continental markets."

Norfolkline is constructing a new ship for the route. Facilities on board will include 109 en-suite cabins, a bar, restaurant, wide screen cinema, on-board shop and children's play area.

Denise Hill, head of international marketing for tourist agency VisitScotland, said: "We are delighted to be working with Norfolkline to promote their Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service to ensure that these travellers continue to exploit the opportunity of a direct crossing and maximise the number of nights they spend within our borders

In 2002 Scotland's first National Park was established at Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. The best accommodation centre in the national Park is at Callander, about 1 hours drive from the ferry terminal at Rosyth.

From a base in Callander it is easy to visit all of Scottland without the need to move from your base. Callander and the Trossachs offers an excellent range of holiday accommodation for your vacation.

Comment from VisitScotland - 2002

The chairman of VisitScotland, Peter J Lederer, made the following comment in 2002:

The launch of the Ferries new direct route from Zeebrugge to Edinburgh (Rosyth) means that Scotland is now closer than ever before!
Your holiday can now begin as soon as you step on to the ferry in Belgium, and are transported right into the heart of Scotland, arriving refreshed, revitalised and ready to see the sights! All of Scotland is within easy reach of the port of Rosyth.

Scotland has so much to offer! Whether your destination is one of Scotland's vibrant cities - such as the historic capital of Edinburgh or the lively, contemporary city of Glasgow - or whether you're here to soak up the history of one of our ancient towns and villages, you're only a short drive away at any time of the year.

Arriving directly into Scotland gives you the opportunity to make the most of your time here and makes it easier to discover some of Scotland's hidden treasures in some of our far-reaching destinations. Relax and unwind as you take a gentle walk in the rolling green hills of the Scottish lowlands or experience the breathtaking grandeur of the Highlands as you admire the stunning view of castles and lochs against a backdrop of dramatic mountains. Why not escape to one of our many islands, where you can walk along beautiful white sandy beaches, watch the multitude of wildlife and experience some of the most rugged and breathtaking scenery in the country? The options are endless.

So if you fancy a short break in spring or autumn, a romantic winter break, or an extended summer holiday, the warmth and hospitality of a traditional Scottish welcome is only a night's sail away - we look forward to welcoming you to Scotland!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Norfolkline to resume Rosyth-Zeebrugge ferry service in May 2009 Bookings at: www.directferries.co.uk/norfolk.htm
SuperFast Ferry from Zeebrugge to Scotland Rosyth discontinued may 2008 Fast Zeebrugge Ferry has arrived Until recently, the only way to travel between the Continent and Scotland was by a long drive South and then a ferry crossing. The new Superfast Ferries Rosyth - Zeebrugge service is the first daily direct service linking Scotland to the European continent.  Travel time is reduced to approximately 17½ hours with an overnight crossing. This makes travel to Scotland from Europe a much easier prospect and allows the visitor to spend more time enjoying everything Scotland has to offer.		Schnelle Fähre von Zeebrugge zur schnellen Fähre Schottlands Schnelle Fähre ist angekommen Bis vor kurzem waren die einzige Weise, zwischen den Kontinent zu reisen und Schottland einen langen durch Süd Antrieb und dann eine Fähreüberfahrt. Der neue Fähre Rosyth - Zeebrugge Superfast Service ist der erste tägliche direkte Service, der Schottland mit dem europäischen Kontinent verbindet. Spielraumzeit wird auf Stunden ungefähr 17½ mit einer Nachtüberfahrt verringert. Dieses bildet Spielraum nach Schottland von Europa eine viel einfachere Aussicht und erlaubt dem Besucher, mehr Zeit zu verbringen, die alles Schottland genießt, muß anbieten.
Les Ferry rapides de Zeebruge à Rossyth sont arrivés Jusqu'à récemment, le seul moyen de voyager entre le continent et l'Ecosse était de conduire vers le Sud à travers l'Angleterre et de traverser la Manche par ferry. Le nouveau service de ferry rapide Rosyth - Zeebrugge est le premier à relier l'Ecosse à l'Europe via la Belgique. Le temps de trajet est environ de 17h30 avec une partie du trajet de nuit. Ce qui rend beaucoup plus agréable la perpespective du trajet depuis l'Ecosse vers l'Europe et permet aux visiteurs européen d'apprécier au mieux tout ce que l'Ecosse a à offrir. En 2002, le premier parc national ecossais a été créé au Loch Lomond et dans les Trossachs. Les meilleures facilités d'hébergement sont à Callander, à approximativement 1h depuis le terminal d'embarquement de Rosyth. Depuis Callander, il est facile de visiter toute l'Ecosse sans changer de point de chute. Callander et les Trossachs offrent de nombreuses facilités pour votre séjour.