Ferries to return to Stranraer?

Visitors catching ferries to Scotland from Northern Ireland have been travelling from Belfast or Larne to Cairnryan in recent months - but Stranraer may be making a comeback.

Cairnryan is further north inside Loch Ryan, but still right in the south-west corner of Scotland, enabling a short crossing and a chance to enjoy an attractive part of the country before moving northwards towards Glasgow, Edinburgh or the Highlands.

However, Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking to work with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency to substantially redevelop the waterfront in Stranraer, BBC News has revealed.

Plans were drawn up last year when the ferries stopped coming as P & O decided Cairnryan should complement Troon for its south-west Scotland services.

And the £2 million plans could include a major clear-up of an old gasworks, hence the involvement of the environmental body.

Head of infrastructure at the council Stephen Herriott commented: "We need to consider how we want to take that forward in relation to what we want to use the land for within the whole concept for the waterfront redevelopment."

Whether Stranraer can successfully revive its fortunes remains to be seen, of course. But in the meantime, Cairnryan is just five miles away, so it is handy for those keen to explore that part of Scotland as it lies close to good road and rail connections.

The summer offers one particular reason for many to visit the region as Dumfries and Galloway plays host to the Wickerman Music Festival.

Featuring a burning straw man at the end - though, thankfully, without anyone inside - it is named after the film of that name, which was shot in the area.

Taking place on July 20th and 21st, it will play host to performers like Texas, the Scissor Sisters, Levellers, Kassidy and Dog is Dead.

Posted by Andrew Smith

Cairnryan - Larne

1 x Foot Passenger(s) Return

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07/06/2013 - 09/06/2013

£51

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Cairnryan - Larne

Car + 2 Return

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31/05/2013 - 03/06/2013

£195

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Cairnryan - Larne

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31/05/2013 - 03/06/2013

£309

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