CONSTRUCTION has begun on Stranraer’s new £6.7 million watersports hub.
At a ceremony on Wednesday members of Stranraer Water Sports Association’s (SWSA) kids club and young instructor programme broke ground on the site for the state of the art facility overlooking Loch Ryan.
The facility will have changing and showering facilities, class and meeting rooms, café and kitchen facilities, offices and open public spaces, and is expected to open in summer 2026.
SWSA chairman John Fenwick said: “After years of planning and hard work, and generous support from our funders, it’s wonderful to see construction finally beginning on our new Water Sports Hub. I’m especially pleased that young people from our community have helped mark the occasion.
“This facility will transform what we can offer as an Association, creating opportunities for skills development, employment and establishing Stranraer as a premier destination for water sports events and training. It’s a major step forward in the regeneration of our town.”
Struan Young was among the group of young people to break the sod for the new facilities and is looking forward to seeing the build completed, he commented: “Stranraer Water Sports has given me lots of opportunities and confidence, from the courses and coaching I have received to start racing in dinghies throughout Scotland and also gaining instructor qualifications. The new Hub will provide so many opportunities to hold events, run activities, socialise and be a great place for young people to learn water sports. I’m looking forward to being a part of the Young Instructor team which will operate from this new building in the coming years, and I can’t wait to see the new building completed.”
Photography: Pete Robinson
