Construction work begins on multi-million-pound water sports facility in Stranraer

The project was awarded Levelling Up Funding in 2023 and will cost £6.7 million. Credit: ITV Border.

Construction work begins today on a new multi-million-pound water sports facility in Dumfries and Galloway.

The £6.7 million site will be built in Stranraer and is expected to open to the public by the summer of 2026.

Representatives from the Stranraer Water Sports Association - who are leading the project - and other organisations will attend a ceremony today to mark the beginning of construction work.

Stranraer has a strong history with water sports and hosted a major windsurfing championship in 2023. Credit: ITV Border

What is the project aiming to achieve?

The project states that it has four main aims for bringing the facility to Stranraer:

  • Support the regeneration of Stranraer and its waterfront.

  • Foster a sense of community ownership and pride.

  • Boost the local economy by attracting major events and visitors.

  • Provide a vibrant, accessible space for all ages to engage with water sports.

Speaking to ITV Border, Jane Morrison-Ross the CEO of the South of Scotland Enterprise said: “The more we can do to make Stranraer as a place to come to live, work and visit then the more benefits that will have in terms of infrastructure and investment.

"That would be both from us and from the UK and Scottish Government. That is really important because it is what the people of Stranraer want and we want Stranraer once again to be the jewel in the south west of Scotland."

Loch Ryan in Stranraer is described as having 'natural advantages for water sports and coastal activities.'

A feasibility study took place and the vision for the Water Sports Hub took shape and a full business case was developed with Dumfries and Galloway Council.

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