Ferry travel information site Discover Ferries, has featured an article about the first anniversary of Norfolkline’s Rosyth to Zeebrugge crossing.

The ferry group took over the route which provides Scotland’s only direct sea link to main land Europe in 2009 and are now celebrating a years worth of success.

To celebrate this, the ferry undertook a landmark sailing from the Zeebrugge port to Rosyth and was captained by the captain who missed out on the ships maiden voyage due to a sudden heart attack.

Captain Arbilli was the first choice of captian to undertake this milestone voyage handing him back the starring role he missed out on last year.

The crossing has proved to be a vital transport link since in was reinstated last year and has made a positive economic contribution carrying both leisure and freight passengers between Scotland and Europe

Chris Newey of Norfolkline quotes in the article: “It has been a tough year starting and opertaing the service through the worst recession in living memory.  The challenge is to build passenger traffic throughout the year by continuing to raise awareness of the benefits of travelling on the route.

“There is a tremdous sense of pride in the route felt by Scottish passengers.  The route gives them a leisurely and stressless over night crossing to and from Europe – without having to worry if their plane can or cannot fly due to volcanic ash cloud.”

Scottish first minister Alex Salmond also quotes: “I was pleased to be able to support the first anniversary of this important international ferry service direct to the continent.

“The service offers people across Scotland an accessible route direct to the European mainland, whether for business or pleasure. and of course it provides our continental neighbours with an easy way to travel to Scotland.

“I’m particularly glad that Captain Arbilli who missed out through illness on the Scottish Viking’s maiden voyage last year, has been able to take it this time around.”

Captain Arbilli who had to be replaced by a stand in skipper last year adds: “No-one was more dissapointed than me that I could not take part in the sailing last year.”

The Scottish viking sails three times a week from both ports, allowing thousands of Scottish passengers to enjoy the services leisurely over night crossing avoiding the long journey down south to England.

The port of Zeebrugge is just 10km away from the city of Bruge and provides ease of access to the European motorway network allowing passengers to continue their journey to France, Italy, Holland, Germany and beyond.

Charles Hammond Cheif Executive of Forth Ports plc quotes: “I am delighted that we are celebrating Scotland’s only ferry crossing to Europe.  It continues to be a testament to the economic acheivements that can be found when public and private sectors come together.

“As Scotland looks to decrease its carbon footprint the Scottish Viking is playing an important role by taking cars and lorries off the road and providing a fast and efficient means to reach the continenet.”

The full article can be found on the Discover Ferries website and was secured as part of a successful PR campaign carried out by the Holyrood PR.