Scotland's new ferry port, fit for 21st century

A NEW £200 million ferry terminal that will cut crossing times between Scotland and Northern Ireland by 25 minutes was announced yesterday.

• An artist's impression of the new ferry terminal at the mouth of Loch Ryan. The existing ferry port at Stranraer will be redeveloped as a marine leisure centre

The port at the mouth of Loch Ryan, which will replace the existing Stranraer terminal, is expected to safeguard 500 jobs, create around 900 more during its 20-month construction, save fuel, reduce carbon emissions and increase freight capacity.

First Minister Alex Salmond announced the relocation of Stena Line's operations yesterday, describing it as "seriously good news for Stranraer and for Scotland".

"This development will safeguard and create 1,400 jobs and trigger significant investment in Dumfries and Galloway," he said.

"I am delighted to welcome the decision to approve this project and Stena Line's commitment and continuing contribution to the Scottish economy.

"The relocation of the port to the new Loch Ryan Port will also aid tourism with faster crossings between Scotland and Northern Ireland and help the regeneration of Stranraer as a major marine leisure area.

Local politicians said that although some felt uncertain about what the move would mean for Stranraer, it was an opportunity to develop the harbour waterfront as a marine leisure destination.

The investment in the 26-acre port, two miles north of Cairnryan, includes two new high-speed ferries. More than 1.2 million passengers each year use the service

Stena Line chairman Dan Sten Olsson said: "Today is a historic day for the people of Scotland and indeed Northern Ireland. The investment will provide Scotland with a first-class port facility which underlines and enhances the port's prominence as the third largest gateway in the UK.

"Tourism and freight business between Scotland and Northern Ireland has seen significant growth in recent years and despite the current difficult trading conditions, we are confident that an investment of this magnitude will pay dividends over the medium to long term."

Mr Olsson admitted he had previously doubted that the company would see sufficient growth in passenger numbers to justify the project and that plans had been in place to leave the area, but said he had been convinced after discussions with Mr Salmond.

Alex Fergusson, MSP for Galloway and Upper Nithsdale, said: "This formal announcement signals the start of a new era not just for Stena, but for the town of Stranraer itself.

"Many will be nervous about what the future holds in store, but I take an optimistic view."

He added: "I applaud Stena's decision, which will tie the company to Loch Ryan for the foreseeable future, and it opens up a potentially fantastic future for a dramatic redevelopment of Stranraer harbour waterfront."

Tony Fitzpatrick, director of economic regeneration for Dumfries and Galloway council, said, "This is tremendous news and a real win-win situation.

"Firstly, the council saw the retention of the existing Stena workforce as an absolute priority,

"Secondly, this frees up the majority of the Stranraer waterfront area for wider regeneration."

Work was scheduled to start on the new Loch Ryan Port terminal today.