South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that investigation work on developing a cycle path between Stranraer and Cairnryan is moving forward but is “frustrated” by the slow timescale.

The current cycle path comes to a sudden halt next to the A77 on the outskirts of Cairnryan. The local MSP has been campaigning for an extension of the cycle path into Cairnryan including to the ferry terminals and raised the issue in Parliament on several occasions.

In his most recent written question he asked “the Scottish Government what progress it is making on developing a cycle path between Cairnryan ferry ports and Stranraer”.

In response, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop said: “The Scottish Government through Transport Scotland instructed the Operating Company, Amey, to undertake investigation of the active travel route between Stranraer and Cairnryan to establish what infrastructure can be introduced. The route is being considered in two complementary sections; these being an upgrade of the existing facility from Stranraer to the Beoch Burn and the introduction of new infrastructure where none exists at present from the Beoch Burn to Cairnryan to provide a continuous route.

“The investigation has been completed between Stranraer and the Beoch Burn and this has indicated the extent of upgrade of the existing infrastructure required. The investigation will continue this financial year on the section between the Beoch Burn and Cairnryan. This will initially encompass vegetation clearance and subsequently topographical surveys which will be completed to determine any constraints to implementing active travel infrastructure on this section of the route.

“This investigation is a precursor to any future design work that may be undertaken and an essential step in the process, allowing the gathering of information to establish the feasibility of upgrading/ delivering an active travel facility between Stranraer and Cairnryan.

“Should the investigation conclude that establishing active travel infrastructure is feasible for the whole section between Stranraer and Cairnryan, it is currently anticipated the principal design work will commence in financial year 2024-25.”

Commenting on the news, Colin Smyth said: “I very much welcome this news from Fiona Hyslop that, at the very least, the Scottish Government has listened to my calls for action and are exploring options. However, I remain frustrated by how slowly things are moving forward.

“The failure to extend the national cycle route to Scotland’s largest ferry terminal presents a danger for people who want to cycle when they arrive in Scotland.

“For someone who arrives at Cairnryan by ferry with their cycle, their route to the nearest town, Stranraer, is along the A77 trunk road, together with 40-tonne lorries coming off the ferry.

“Visitors from Northern Ireland have contacted me to say how shocked they are when they arrive at Cairnryan on ferries, especially those on cycle holidays, that there is no cycle path linking Scotland’s largest ferry port and its nearest town. What a shameful welcome that is to Scotland.  However, it is a symptom of the lack of investment in south west Scotland’s infrastructure by the Scottish Government.

“I will continue to push for the Scottish Government on this important issue until we get a clear plan in place to extend the cycle path.”