Colin Smyth MSP
Investing the existing Stranraer railway station rather than developing a new station nearer the town centre, would be a false economy according to South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth.
Commenting on speculation that the current station may be refurbished Colin Smyth said , “The existing railway station in Stranraer has served the town well over the years and refurbishment would certainly help return it to its former glory rather than the current plastic monstrosity which actually covers up the station historical buildings. But the location was designed to meet the needs of ferry passengers on the east pier and that is no longer required .
If Scotrail are serious about investing in Stranraer station they should revive plans along with the Scottish Government and the council to develop a transport interchange nearer the town centre on the waterfront . I have my doubts whether the east pier will continue to be viable in the long term and I suspect the cost of upkeeping the existing station will only grow so refurbishment could be a false economy . Now would be a once in a lifetime opportunity to look at relocating the existing station, integrating it with a bus station and by doing so boosting the numbers who use public transport”.