train-montagnes-arbres

Less than an hour from Lille, a new ferry will soon connect France to the cliffs of Scotland

undefined undefined 2 avril 2026 undefined 12h00

The Editor

When we dream of the Highlands, the Scottish cliffs, and the coastal roads, we often think of flying or a long journey through England. Soon, it will be much simpler to depart from Dunkirk. The “Brave” project, led by DFDS, plans to offer a direct crossing between the North and the east coast of Scotland. 

A direct crossing between Dunkirk and Scotland

The future ferry will connect the port of Dunkirk to Rosyth in Scotland, located just about thirty minutes from Edinburgh. The crossing is expected to last around 20 hours, primarily operating overnight. It's a rather clever way to travel: you board in the North, sleep on board, and wake up almost at the gates of the Highlands. Three round trips are scheduled each week in both directions. The service is also set to accommodate cars, motorcycles, camper vans, bicycles, and freight, making it a great alternative for travelers.

as lovers of road trips or slow travel. 

A new gateway to the Highlands

The beauty of this connection is definitely the simplicity it brings. No more driving all the way across the UK or juggling with connections. From Dunkirk, you'll arrive directly on the Scottish east coast, with Edinburgh just a stone's throw away and the first stunning landscapes less than an hour away.

hour. This makes it easy to imagine a route connecting capitals, lochs, cliffs, and scenic roads.

A gentler alternative to flying

The project also fits into the trend of slower and more responsible travel. With a desire for more sustainable mobility, this connection between Dunkirk and Rosyth could attract those who prefer to make the journey an integral part of their trip, rather than just "enduring" the transport. The ferry is also expected to play an important economic role, with initial estimates around 51,000 passengers per year from the launch, increasing to nearly 79,000 travelers. 

Great news for travelers from the North

For the residents of Lille, Dunkirk, the Opal Coast, or more generally from the Hauts-de-France region, this new line could become one of the easiest ways to enjoy a big breath of Scotland. A nearby departure, a night journey, and an arrival nearly at the foot of the cliffs: hard to imagine something more tempting!

for a future getaway.