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New Terminal in 2009?
Forth
Ports Authority announced in March 2006 that a task force is to be set up
to consider how a new terminal for cruise liners might be created on the
outside of Leith Harbour wall, near the Martello Tower, close to the
entrance to the harbour from the Firth of Forth.
It is
believed that this might cost between £20m and £50m, and that funding
would be sought from the Scottish Executive and the City of Edinburgh
Council.
At
present, about 30 cruise ships a year berth at Leith Harbour, max size
50,000 tonnes. If the new terminal was built, larger ships could be
accommodated and it is estimated that perhaps 150 a year might visit
Leith, bringing £40m pa to the Edinburgh and Leith economy.
The
terminal might also be used for cruises to Scandinavia, the travel time
being 3 days less than for cruises from Harwich, England.
Plans to
start a ferry service across the Firth of Forth, between Kirkcaldy in Fife
and Leith, are also being considered.
Most of the details above have been
taken from Herald & Post, March 23, 2006: p.11 |
