STRANRAER is one step closer to becoming one of the watersports capitals, as the council have unlocked funding to begin the transformation of the waterfront.
The multi-million pound project reached a significant milestone last week following an agreement between Dumfries and Galloway Council and Stranraer Water Sports Association (SWSA) to unlock monies from the UK Government’s Levelling Fund.
It was part of the wider ‘Reactivating Galloway Project’ that was awarded more than £17 million from the previous UK Government to create of a show piece state-of-the-art facility .
The initial idea to create the facility came after the hugely-successful staging of the Skiffie World Championships that attracted record crowds locally, nationally and internationally.
It is hoped that the event will enjoy similar excitement when the world championships return to Stranraer next year with more international competitors expressing a serious interest in attending.
Congratulating SWSA on their latest milestone, Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson said: “This is wonderful news that the necessary funding is now in place to allow the regeneration of the waterfront at Loch Ryan and create a new watersports hub costing more than £5 million.
“Not only is it great news for local watersports enthusiasts, but will hopefully result in enormous economic benefits, some have even suggested more than double the cost of the facility.
“I am delighted that the SWSA and the council have now reached agreement to finally allow this project to push forward.
“The beauty of this hub will be in providing first class facilities and coaching for a range of water sports.
“Not only will it offer activities for the local community, but schools, youth groups and potentially visitors from Scotland and the UK.
“The SWSA deserve full credit for its vision, enthusiastic approach as well as its dogged determination to make it happen. Their actions will hopefully put Stranraer on the international map.”
