Ferry terminal plan makes headway

The council has approved works on the first phase of the ferry plan

Plans have been approved 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.

Dumfries and Galloway Council's Wigtown area committee has given permission for the necessary preparatory work on the new terminal near Cairnryan.

The £70m scheme is designed to cut journey times to Belfast.

Stena Line is still 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 move forward.