Sam Heughan to back 'nationally significant' visitor attraction in Stranraer
Stranraer lost its ferry port in 2011
Outlander star Sam Heughan has backed plans for a landmark new visitor attraction in Stranraer telling the story of Scottish emigration and diaspora.
The actor said proposals to create a “nationally significant” centre that would tap into the “deep emotional and global resonance” of the story of Scots who moved around the world, would bring new visitors to the South of Scotland, contributing to the regeneration of the town.
After 150 years as the main ferry port to Northern Ireland, the £200m relocation in 2011 of the ferry terminal from Stranraer to Cairnryan, six miles up the coast of Loch Ryan, made the route financially viable, but left Stranraer in economic difficulties.
The South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA) and Stranraer Development Trust (SDT) is now to hold a public discussion designed to build backing for the project and shape the way forward.
Heughan, who was born in Galloway and last year bought Crafty Distillery in Newton Stewart, and rebranded it as Galloway Distillery, said: “The South of Scotland has some of the most powerful stories, landscapes and communities anywhere in the country.
“The story of Scottish emigration and diaspora has deep emotional and global resonance. Millions of people across the world feel connected to Scotland through family, heritage and identity.”
Heughan, who is best known for playing Jamie Fraser in the hit TV series, added: “I am delighted to support this vision and help raise the profile of Galloway and the South of Scotland, inviting new generations of visitors to experience the best of our region.”
South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) has funded development work over the past two and a half years to lay the groundwork for the potential of the project.
David Hope-Jones, chief executive of the SSDA, said: “This is a bold project with the potential to change how people see Stranraer and the South of Scotland.
“It can become a visitor attraction of national significance and a powerful part of Stranraer’s regeneration story.
“Now we want people to help shape what comes next and build the momentum needed to take it forward.”
Jane Morrison-Ross, chief executive of South of Scotland Enterprise, said: “This is exactly the kind of ambitious, partnership-led project that can help drive Stranraer’s regeneration and grow the South of Scotland visitor economy.
“The priority now is to build public backing and turn that ambition into a deliverable next phase."
Romano Petrucci, chair of SDT, said: “This is an important moment for Stranraer. We want local people to be part of shaping a project that can bring new energy, new visitors and long-term benefit to the town.
“It is 15 years since the ferries left the town, and we have worked hard to tackle the challenges this created – and it's fantastic to see the developments underway in the town, ensuring a resilient future."
The public discussion of the project will be launched at the Stranraer Oyster Festival in September.
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.