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Double Boost for Stranraer

STRANRAER received a double boost this week with encouraging news for the upgrade of the Lochryan trunk roads and the development of Stranraer harbour.

Local councillor Willie Scobie received a letter from Deputy Transport Minister Lewis MacDonald on Monday which confirmed his plans to visit Stranraer "early in the New Year" to discuss proposals for the upgrade of the A75 and A77 trunk roads.

One scheme, to develop part of the A75 near Castle Kennedy is ready to proceed to construction, according to Mr MacDonald.

And last Tuesday, Dumfries and Galloway Council agreed the development of Stranraer harbour front is a "high priority project" in the their corporate plan for Scottish Executive funding.

The letter from the Deputy Transport Minister indicates his intention to meet with senior officials of Stena Line after the turn of the year.

It says "Our discussion will centre on bringing forward the investment priorities on the A75 and A77 we have identified in dialogue with representatives of the North Channel Partnership as budgetary commitments allow.

"This is likely to include reallocating funding along the routes to develop overtaking opportunities closer to the Loch Ryan ports".