A new operator has been found for Scotland's only ferry service to Europe, the First Minister announced today.

The ferry firm Norfolkline will operate the Rosyth to Zeebrugge route from the spring.

Announcing the news at Rosyth this morning, Alex Salmond hailed the news as "a real success story and hugely important to Scotland's economy".

"We have worked closely with Forth Ports to ensure Scotland maintains a direct ferry link to Europe and I am delighted to announce today that Norfolkline will now operate the Rosyth-Zeebrugge route."

Mr Salmond stressed the importance of having secured a new operator, and said: "Maintaining connections with major European markets is vital for Scotland at a time of global economic challenges.

"In the six years this route has been operating, it has carried nearly one million passengers, 4.2 million tonnes of freight and in 2005 generated around GBP3.4 million of tourism expenditure in Scotland.

"And of course by removing 1.38 million lorry miles from Scotland's roads it is an important contribution to the fight against climate change."

He added: "I have no doubt that Norfolkline will build on the success of this established ferry route.

"The partnership with Forth Ports has averted the loss of this vital transport link and instead given the many passengers, tourists and businesses who use this service, the reassurance to plan ahead with confidence."

Central Fife
MSP Tricia Marwick said: "This is great news for Fife. It
ensures Scotland's premier east coast port can now face the future
with a sense of confidence.

"It is also an example of how the SNP
Government has worked hard to secure Fife's future
by working very closely with Forth Ports to ensure an alternative commercial
operator was identified.

"The SNP Government said it would do everything
possible to secure a successful outcome and they have delivered on that pledge
to the people of Fife."

Professor Harvie, MSP for Mid-Scotland
& Fife, added: "This is not only good news for Rosyth but good news
for the Scottish economy. Ensuring Scotland is
connected to major European markets is highly important for Scotland in
such economically challenging times."