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Chamber and committees

Stranraer Moves Closer to Water Sports Dream

  • Submitted by: Finlay Carson, Galloway and West Dumfries, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party.
  • Date lodged: Thursday, 24 October 2024
  • Motion reference: S6M-15012

That the Parliament warmly welcomes what it sees as a significant milestone having been reached that will shortly transform the town of Stranraer into a national and international destination for water sports and tourism; understands that an agreement has now been reached between Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Stranraer Water Sports Association to unlock funding from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, to regenerate the waterfront at Loch Ryan and create a new water sports hub, costing more than £5 million, that will hopefully result in estimated economic benefits of more than double that figure; further understands that the development will be part of the wider Reactivating Galloway Project, which was awarded more than £17 million in support from the previous UK Government; recognises that the idea emerged after Stranraer successfully hosted the Skiffie World Championships in 2019, attracting record crowds from all over the world, and will repeat the event in 2025, as well as staging the 2025 edition of the Scottish Fin and Foil Championships thanks to the unique compact layout of the loch; considers that, while the Stranraer Water Sports Association is a young organisation currently offering a wide selection of water sports, including sailing, coastal rowing, kayaking, open water swimming, powerboating and canoeing, for the local community, schools, youth groups and visitors, it also nurtures huge ambitions as a direct result of the new facility, and wishes the trustees, staff and members continued success in putting the town firmly on the international map.


Supported by: Clare Adamson, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Jackson Carlaw, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Meghan Gallacher, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Jamie Halcro Johnston, Emma Harper, Craig Hoy, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Roz McCall, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White, Brian Whittle