£70m port scheme seeks progress

Stena Line hopes the new facility could cut journey times

Plans have been tabled for the first phase of a multi-million pound project by ferry operator Stena Line to develop a new port in south west Scotland.

The firm wants to move its Irish Sea services out of Stranraer and along the coast to Old House Point.

Permission is now being sought to carry out the necessary preparatory work for a new terminal near Cairnryan.

The company said creating a new passenger terminal further up Loch Ryan would cut journey times to Belfast.

Stena Line is looking for the go-ahead to carry out a programme of ground works needed as part of the proposed development of the new port.

It would involve a range of excavation and infilling operations as well as the widening of the site entrance and regrading of the access road.

The application - which is recommended for approval by council planning officials - will be considered by Dumfries and Galloway Council's Wigtown area committee later this week.

It is estimated the total cost of creating a new ferry port would be about £70m.

Stena Line is also required to submit an environmental impact assessment and seek a harbour empowerment order from the Scottish Government in order for the plan to progress.

On completion, the scheme would allow major redevelopment plans for Stranraer waterfront to forge ahead.