On Tuesday Councillors on the Kirkcaldy Area Committee agreed a “contribution towards a wider study including market analysis and feasibility work examining the potential for shore side infrastructure development to support tourism growth”.

This was on the list of “Kirkcaldy Area Projects” in the committee papers with the heading of “Burntisland – Tourism Infrastructure Project”. Fife Council is contributing £25,000.

The only thing that’s clear is that Forth Ports is looking to bring some cruise ships – and passengers – to the town. Whether that would be via shorter tender trips than needed to get to Newhaven or creating a pier for docking is unknown.

Apart from the actual Bay, there is more deep water close to the shore than on the other side of the Forth.

It is common for cruise passengers to be whisked away from ports, but at least in Burntisland there things close by to visit for anyone interested in history or local walks (guided or unguided), also the Shows, Games Day etc.

Some might even take a train trip somewhere – a fully accessible station would help.

Might look something like this –

© orkneyharbours.com

http://www.emec.org.uk/press-release-pier-extended-to-service-marine-renewables-industry/

New pier off here?

http://crew-center.com/edinburgh-scotland-cruise-ship-schedule-2018

https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/ship/

https://www.forthports.co.uk/media/releases/2541/Cruise+Forth+wins+Warmest+Welcome+award/

Whether ships will still call at Newhaven (long trip to shore in small boat) or Rosyth (larger ships can’t get under Forth bridges) is unknown.

This is what happens now at Rosyth –

“Arriving at Rosyth

Cruise ship passengers most frequently arrive in port around 8am, having sailed up the River Forth with the city of Edinburgh on the south side, and then passing directly under the majestic spans of the historic Forth Bridge, which has been carrying rail traffic for almost 125 years.

Rosyth is a busy industrial port. Once the boat is secure pre-booked excursions will leave directly from the ship’s side. Some ships also offer a coach service to a nearby rail station (Inverkeithing) where regular trains take you to a wide variety of destinations.

For those making their own plans for the day, please use the shuttle to the Terminal Building (two minutes) where a Welcome Team of local volunteers will be delighted to give you information on various options for your day.

The Welcome Team provide a free bus service throughout the day from the Terminal Building to Dunfermline (15 minutes), the ancient capital of Scotland, and to North Queensferry, in the shadow of the Forth bridges.

There is no shopping at the port although a range of souvenirs will be available.

The terminal lounge has free wifi for use by passengers and crew.

Taxis are available from the terminal building, with journeys to the rail station costing around £10 for four people.”

https://www.cruiseforth.com/content/rosyth-transit/

UPDATES

Some cruise ships are significant polluters.

In Orkney – “The very large ships, which are the trigger for road closures” https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/travel/scottish-town-named-top-cruise-ship-destination-in-western-europe-1-4966227