Waterfront vision makes progress

The details of the regeneration plan will be decided after consultation

A major project to regenerate a south west Scotland waterfront is set to enter its design stage.

A "masterplan" consultation project has been launched to decide the layout of the commercial, leisure and property elements of the Stranraer scheme.

Consultancy firm Smith Scott Mullan Associates will carry out the assessment.

It will help to decide the best ways to maximise the economic benefit to the area from the scheme.

The waterfront regeneration programme has been drawn up in response to plans by ferry operator Stena Line to move its Irish Sea services out of the town.

The company is poised to begin the process of seeking permission to develop a new terminal further up Loch Ryan at Old House Point.

That would leave a large site available in Stranraer for redevelopment.