South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has criticised the Scottish Government after it was revealed that there are still no firm plans to consider the upgrade or relocation of Stranraer Railway Station.

Colin Smyth submitted a written question to Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop asking “what action [the Scottish Government[ plans to take in relation to upgrading or relocating Stranraer railway station”.

In response (see full text below), Fiona Hyslop said that in the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2), published in December 2022, it was noted that in order to “help to encourage greater use of public transport and support wider town regeneration proposals, consideration should also be given to upgrading or relocating Stranraer railway station”.

However, despite this, the Transport Secretary made it clear that there is no timescale for any such works to be carried out.

Colin Smyth said: “STPR2 was full of vague promises and no detail, and as time goes on, it is now clear that there are no firm plans for any of the supposed “recommendations” for our region.

“It is just not good enough.

“Plans to upgrade or relocate Stranraer Railway Station were included in the report but now we’re being told by the Transport Secretary that this is a 20 year plan and that there is no timescale for any work being carried out.

“People in Stranraer, and all those who use this station, deserve better and are sick of being fobbed off by vague promises of business cases and community engagement.

“I will continue to press the Scottish Government for action on this issue.”