IT’S 70 years ago today since the worst peacetime maritime disaster to occur in British coastal waters – and it happened near Dumfries and Galloway.
The sinking of the MV Princess Victoria will be marked with a memorial service at 11 am this morning at the Princess Victoria Monument, Agnew Park, Stranraer. The service will include speakers, a minute silence, and the laying of wreaths and is being organised by The Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes.
In addition, Dumfries and Galloway Council will plant a commemorative tree in park, followed by a civic reception at Stranraer Millennium Centre at 12 noon.
Furthermore, a new MV Princess Victoria Community Exhibition – “Our Roughest Storm & Strongest Anchors” – will be unveiled this afternoon, exploring Stranraer’s story of loss, bravery, love and community through visual display, spoken word and music. There will also be a prize giving for local school children who have been asked to submit a written piece inspired by the MV Princess Victoria Disaster and based on the theme of bravery.
Convenor of Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Stephen Thompson, said: “The loss of the MV Princess Victoria is still felt in communities across Dumfries and Galloway. As in each of the 70 years since the tragedy, we gather again to remember those who died, and to pay our tributes. The new exhibition and remembrance tree will raise awareness and allow us to continue to reflect on this loss.”
