MP 'satisfied' after ferry talks between P&O Ferries and Stena Line

Talks have been held over the collapse of P&O Ferries and Stena Line plans to expand port facilities in south west Scotland.

The Cairnryan scheme was dropped earlier this week as both companies blamed escalating costs.

Dumfries and Galloway MP Russell Brown said he was "satisfied" there was still a long-term commitment to the area after meeting Stena's route director.

However, he added there were wider implications of the decision which still needed to be discussed.

"I went in very clear that I wanted a reassurance that there would be no threat to local jobs as a result of the announcement this week," he said.

Mr Brown said that Stena Line route director Alan Gordon was able to give that assurance and confirm the company was committed to Dumfries and Galloway.

'Invested heavily'

"I'm satisfied that it's business as usual and that Stena Line is committed to this area for the long term," he said.

"Stena has invested heavily in this route in recent years, and they're adamant that there will be more to come.

"But I will be holding them to these commitments."

Mr Brown said there were still question marks over the decision's wider impact.

A regeneration project had been planned in Stranraer to fill the gap left when Stena Line moved to the new shared site in Cairnryan.

Talks have now been planned with all interested parties to see how to move that scheme forward.