News - Stranraer
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The northern leg of the HS2 rail project has been scrapped, with the billions of pounds saved to be ploughed into transport improvements across the UK.
(Permalink) A75 Cairnryan Castle Douglas Gretna HS2 Newton Stewart Port Road Stranraer  Castle Douglas: Standard 2-6-4T 80117 at Castle Douglas with a Dumfries to Kirkcudbright service in April 1965.  Newton Stewart: 2P 40623 with Black 5 45432 at Newton Stewart on 16 July 1956 with the 10.58 am ex-Stranraer. |
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The Scottish Government should commit to the electrification of the rail network in the south of Scotland, according to a local MSP.
(Permalink) Ayr Electrification Girvan Stranraer  Girvan: The 13.54 arrival from Stranraer at Girvan on 2nd March 2023. Girvan station is being 'improved' with better CCTV and these 'trip-strips'.
 Stranraer: The 09.23 from Ayr on arrival, 8-10-19. The vast majority of passengers (11) was from our photoclub. |
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Campaigners believe reopening the line is more beneficial than plans to duel a major arterial road through the region and be better for the environment.
(Permalink) Dumfries Port Road Stranraer  Loch Skerrow: Tablets being exchanged at Loch Skerrow, seen from a Dumfries to Stranraer service hauled by Black 5 44677 (fitted with a self-weighing tender).  Castle Douglas: Black 5 44677 pauses at Castle Douglas with a Dumfries to Stranraer service, shortly before closure of the line.  Newton Stewart: View from a Dumfries to Stranraer service arriving at Newton Stewart in June 1965. The pleasant appearance of the station belies the fact that it was about to be part of the much-lamented closure of t ... |
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Alan Mclellan walked the old Port Road from Dumfries to Portpatrick and reckons a bit of tidying up would allow others to follow suit
(Permalink) Castle Douglas Dumfries Newton Stewart Port Road Portpatrick Stranraer  Maxwelltown: Shortly after leaving Dumfries northbound, trains on the Port Road to Stranraer turned west and crossed a bridge over Nunholme Road. The remains of that bridge mark the start of what is now the Maxwel ...  Big Water of Fleet Viaduct: The impressive twenty arch Big Water of Fleet Viaduct looking south in May 2012.  Loch Skerrow: The site of the signalbox at Loch Skerrow viewed from the end of the remaining platform looking east. Note the felled water column. |
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More than 130 people died when the MV Princess Victoria sank as it headed from Stranraer to Larne.
(Permalink) Larne MV Princess Victoria Stranraer |
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In terms of convenience, Edinburgh Waverley, with its famous in and out ramps, was pretty much the perfect station for motorists in the post-war era. Connecting the English capital and Perth via Edinburgh Waverley, the first car-sleeper rail services debuted in 1955 and allowed Scots motorists the freedom of taking their car on their holidays while avoiding the gruelling 450-mile drive south.
(Permalink) Birmingham Brockenhurst Carlisle Carmarthen Dover Edinburgh Waverley Fishguard Harbour Fort William Glasgow Inverness Kensington Olympia London Euston Motorail Penzance Perth Plymouth Stirling Stranraer  Perth Carriage Sidings: Loaded wagons of the Perth-London Car Ferry Service at Perth Caledonian Road Depot in the mid to late 70s.  Edinburgh Waverley: May 1995 saw the withdrawal of the Sleeper/Motorail service from Edinburgh to Plymouth. Car carrying vans, ready for business in the bay platforms at Waverley east end.
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South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has slammed the Scottish Government after it emerged there are no plans to re-open the railway between Dumfries and Stranraer. The local MSP asked the Scottish Government 'whether it supports the reopening of the railway between Dumfries and Stranraer'. And a written response from Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth stated: 'An option for reopening the rail line between Dumfries and Stranraer was assessed as part of the second Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) ...'
(Permalink) Castle Douglas Dumfries Newton Stewart Port Road Stranraer Castle Douglas: Standard 2-6-4T 80117 at Castle Douglas with a Dumfries to Kirkcudbright service in April 1965.  Stranraer Town: BR light Pacific 72009 Clan Stewart prepares to leave Stranraer Town on 16 July 1956 with the 7.25 service to Glasgow St Enoch.  Newton Stewart: A Black 5 with a Stranraer-bound train pauses at Newton Stewart in April 1965, approximately 2 months before closure. The station was formerly the junction for the Whithorn branch, which had closed co ... |
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Campaigners were joined by politicians and the ferry operators, Stena Line, at Holyrood to push the case for improvements to both the A77 and A75.
(Permalink) A75 A77 Port Road Portpatrick Stena Line Stranraer  Stranraer Town: Part of the once extensive yards at Stranraer Town, seen here abandoned in May 2007. The building on the left is one of the former locomotive sheds, while in the right background is the main stand at ... |
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ScotRail has confirmed that a bus replacement service will be in operation between Ayr and Stranraer this weekend.
(Permalink) Ayr Engineering works Replacement bus Stranraer |
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Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson has warned the Scottish Government must get real in its drive to encourage more people onto public transport.
(Permalink) Dumfries Pricing Stranraer Timetabling Stranraer: The 09.23 from Ayr on arrival, 8-10-19. The vast majority of passengers (11) was from our photoclub.  Dumfries: View over Dumfries station looking north east from the Station Hotel on 7 November 2018. Dumfries signal box is visible in the background. |
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An invitation has been extended to Scotlands new Transport Minister to visit the south west and witness its major road and rail issues.
(Permalink) Cairnryan Stranraer  Stranraer: The 13.04 to Kilmarnock comes off the causeway from Stranraer Harbour station and is about to pass under the A77 road bridge. 29th October 2017.
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Talks have taken place over improving train services from Stranraer, as well as reducing fares.
(Permalink) Stranraer Timetabling  Stranraer: Since last September this McLeans electric bus has connected Stranraer Station, the town centre and Cairnryan ferry terminals. Photographed alongside the station on 13 February. |
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ScotRail has announced plans to cut the opening hours of the ticket office at Stranraer station.
(Permalink) Stranraer Ticket office Stranraer: The 09.23 from Ayr on arrival, 8-10-19. The vast majority of passengers (11) was from our photoclub.  Stranraer: |
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It's another day of travel disruption for commuters as ScotRail have announced trains in Ayrshire will be subject to delays and cancellations for the second day in a row.
(Permalink) Barrhill Cancellations Delays Girvan Stranraer Weater Stranraer: The 13.04 to Kilmarnock comes off the causeway from Stranraer Harbour station and is about to pass under the A77 road bridge. 29th October 2017.
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Chris Rosindale's study argues that reopening the line would be easier and cheaper than dualling the A75
(Permalink) Castle Douglas Dumfries Newton Stewart Port Road Stranraer  Castle Douglas: Two railway buildings still stand at the site of Castle Douglas station in 2021. One is the stone built goods shed, in use as a hardware store (see image [[34786]]), the other is this heavily disguise ... Big Water of Fleet Viaduct: The impressive twenty arch Big Water of Fleet Viaduct looking south in May 2012.  Newton Stewart: The old goods yard at Newton Stewart in May 2007, now part of a plant hire operation, with the former goods shed still performing a useful function 42 years after closure of the line. |
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Trains in South Ayrshire are still under threat, with Scotrail proposing to reduce journeys between Girvan and Stranraer.
(Permalink) Girvan Stranraer Timetabling |
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People across South Scotland are being urged to have their say on prospective rail plan changes.
(Permalink) Ayr Carlisle Girvan Kilmarnock Stranraer Timetabling  Kilmarnock: 156430 to Stranraer and 156456 to Glasgow Central, at Kilmarnock station around lunchtime on 25th July 2017. Two of my friends can be seen on the left in the background, patiently waiting for me to ...  Dumfries: A Glasgow to Carlisle service pulls out of Dumfries on 25 June 2019. The lovely station is built of the red (Locharbriggs?) sandstone which is ubiquitous round these parts Stranraer: The 13.04 to Kilmarnock comes off the causeway from Stranraer Harbour station and is about to pass under the A77 road bridge. 29th October 2017.
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ScotRail has been forced to cut or truncate services on the Glasgow to Stranraer line this week 'due to the impact of Covid-19 on staff availability'.
(Permalink) COVID-19 Stranraer Stranraer: The 13.04 to Kilmarnock comes off the causeway from Stranraer Harbour station and is about to pass under the A77 road bridge. 29th October 2017.
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It was the storm of storms, with towering 50ft waves and raging winds of up to 128mph destroying homes and knocking out roads, railways and power stations.
(Permalink) Larne MV Princess Victoria Stranraer |
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Commitment to decarbonise passenger rail services by 2035. Plans to decarbonise Scotland's rail passenger services by 2035 have been launched by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson today.
Railscot note - PDF page 8 shows electrification of lines by 2035: - Glasgow - Aberdeen - Inverurie - All lines in Fife including Levenmouth - Highland Main Line - Borders line - Glasgow - Barrhead - Dumfries - Carlisle - East Kilbride - Kilmarnock - Ayr - Anniesland - Maryhill Partial electrification or alternative technology: - Ayr- Girvan - Inverurie - Inverness - Tain Battery or alternative technology: - West Highland Lines - Far North Line - Kyle Line - Girvan - Stranraer (Permalink) Aberdeen Barrhead Battery train Borders line Dumfries East Kilbride Electrification Far North Line Fife Girvan Highland Main Line Inverurie Kilmarnock Kyle Line Levenmouth Maryhill Stranraer Tain West Highland Lines  Scotland: Transport Scotland - Rail Services Decarbonisation Action Plan for 2035. Lines shown in red are to be electrified. Those in yellow to be alternative traction, possibly prior to electrification. Those ... |
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Reversing the 1960s closure of the line is one option being taken forward by a transport study. [Also suggested is re-opening the Cairnryan branch and stations at Cumnock, Thornhill, Eastriggs, Dunragit and Beattock.]
(Permalink) Beattock Cairnryan Cumnock Dunragit Eastriggs Port Road Stranraer Thornhill  Newton Stewart: View east at Newton Stewart in September 1973. The old goods shed and yard on the left of the photograph have been put to alternate use by the local council, still the case 35 years on see image [[155 ...  Big Water of Fleet Viaduct: April 1965, just two months before closure of the 'Port Road' direct line from Dumfries to Stranraer. A Stranraer-bound mixed freight train headed by a Stanier 'Black 5' crosses the Big Water of Fleet ... |
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Reopening the line between Dumfries and Stranraer is among draft proposals for south west Scotland.
(Permalink) Dumfries Port Road Stranraer  Castle Douglas: 40170 comes off the Kirkcudbright branch under Ernespie Road bridge and into Castle Douglas station on a wet Monday in July 1956. The train is a stopping service for Dumfries.  Newton Stewart: 45432 calls at Newton Stewart on 5 September 1961 with the 3.40pm Stranraer - Dumfries. Big Water of Fleet Viaduct: April 1965, just two months before closure of the 'Port Road' direct line from Dumfries to Stranraer. A Stranraer-bound mixed freight train headed by a Stanier 'Black 5' crosses the Big Water of Fleet ... |
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Rail services through Ayr are expected to return to normal, four months after a crumbling former hotel led to safety concerns.
An exclusion zone was extended around Ayr station in August after the building was found to be unsafe. It led to serious disruption to services between Glasgow Central, Ayr, Girvan, Stranraer and Kilmarnock. Train operator ScotRail said a full service would resume on Thursday, after the unsafe structure was contained. (Permalink) Ayr Station Hotel Stranraer |
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Train services between Ayr and Stranraer will be restored from today.
Earlier this year South Ayrshire Council enforced an exclusion zone at Ayr station. This was because the privately-owned former Station Hotel has been deemed unsafe. While Ayr station remains open for business, the exclusion zone means we have had to make changes to services to and from Ayr, including the cancellation of services between Ayr and Stranraer. (Permalink) Ayr Ayr Station Hotel Stranraer |
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We've [ScotRail] been advised by South Ayrshire Council that an exclusion zone has been imposed at Ayr station, which will have an impact on our services. This is because the old hotel building next to the station has been deemed unsafe.
(Permalink) Ayr Station Hotel Stranraer |
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There are just ten days left to save direct rail services between Carrick, Wigtownshire and Glasgow which are planned to be all but axed.
Incoming ScotRail franchisee Abellio plans a major shake up of rail services in December. Under the proposals there will be only one through train in either direction via Paisley, a service leaving Stranraer after 9pm at night, and at other times passengers will need to change trains at Ayr. (Permalink) Abellio SAYLSA ScotRail Stranraer  Girvan: The driver of the 1102 to Stranraer has collected the token from the Girvan signalman on 26 May and is ready to set off south with unit 156 514.  Girvan: The immaculate interior of the waiting room at Girvan, Scotland's only art deco station, seen on 3 June. Even the ceiling is glossy. The more modern seating is unfortunately not sympathetic, though pr ...  Stranraer: A Sunday morning service for Glasgow Central leaving Stranraer Harbour in August 2003. |
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SAYLSA was formed in 2007 to be Scotland's first Community Rail Partnership with a view to enabling the Ayr-Stranraer line to diversify into new markets on Stena Line's relocation to Cairnryan. That took place in 2011, and development manager Richard Carr will explain how the Association has gone about promoting walking and cycling guides and station-specific timetables, running a shop on Girvan Station, seeking recognition for its efforts while keeping an eye to the challenges that the line faces in the context of ScotRail refranchising.
*** The above event will take place on Tuesday 9 December 2014 (1730 for 1800) at First ScotRail, Atrium Court, 50, Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6HQ. There is no charge for this event. A light buffet will be provided. (Permalink) CILT SAYLSA ScotRail Stranraer |
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News this week that a new operator will take over the next ScotRail franchise means a brighter future for rail services in Wigtownshire.
That is the claim made by SNP MSP for the South of Scotland Aileen McLeod, who said the awarding of the Scotrail franchise to Abellio will see specific commitments to the Stranraer-Ayr line. This is likely to include support for community rail partnerships, services between Stranraer and Ayr every two hours and the introduction of a Scenic Railway Service on the line to attract visitors. (Permalink) Abellio ScotRail Stranraer  Stranraer: The 12.36 service to Glasgow Central waits to leave Stranraer Harbour on 24 May 2012.  Maybole: A southbound train pulls away from a colourful Maybole station and heads for Girvan on the last day of May 2007. Girvan: The immaculate interior of the waiting room at Girvan, Scotland's only art deco station, seen on 3 June. Even the ceiling is glossy. The more modern seating is unfortunately not sympathetic, though pr ... |
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One of Britain's most bashed bridge will be finally bypassed on Monday - re-routing errant lorries away from the much-dented Dumfries and Galloway railway crossing.
Roads officials hope the opening of the £17 million Dunragit bypass on the A75 between Stranraer and Dumfries will end Challoch bridge's unenviable record of being hit more than 100 times in the last ten years. (Permalink) A75 Bridge strike Challoch Dunragit Stranraer |
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The Ayr to Stranraer line is the best performing rural railway line in Scotland.
And that's official following the release of figures by the Office of Rail Regulation that show passenger numbers on the Stranraer line increased dramatically in 2012/13 and are nearly up to the level reached when ferry services operated out of the town. The number of passenger journeys is up a staggering 14.4% and the 60-mile line to Stranraer has outperformed the West Highland Line to Fort William, the West Highand line extension to Mallaig, the Kyle of Lochalsh line, the Oban line and the Far North line to Wick and Thurso. Indeed all the Highland lines saw a reduction in passenger numbers last year except the Far North line which returned growth figures of 0.6%. (Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line Stranraer West Highland Lines Stranraer: The 12.36 service to Glasgow Central waits to leave Stranraer Harbour on 24 May 2012. Maybole: A southbound train pulls away from a colourful Maybole station and heads for Girvan on the last day of May 2007. Girvan: The immaculate interior of the waiting room at Girvan, Scotland's only art deco station, seen on 3 June. Even the ceiling is glossy. The more modern seating is unfortunately not sympathetic, though pr ... |
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Fifty years on from the closure of the original railway through Galloway in 1965 the new ScotRail franchise could herald the end of through trains from Stranraer and Girvan to Glasgow.
The move comes as Transport Scotland issued its Invitation to Tender Document to the five bidders for the new ScotRail franchise due to start on April 1st 2015. Now Scotland's transport agency is inviting bidders to consider ending direct links to the Central Belt obligating passengers to change trains at Ayr or Kilmarnock and wait up to 15 minutes for a connection. One of Scotland's coldest stations, Ayr possesses no step free access between platform 4 and the rest of the station. Chair of SAYLSA John McCutcheon said 'First we saw the abstraction of 60,000 ferry passengers, now we see the potential ending of through rail journeys, I hope the next stage is not the end of rail services to Stranraer completely.' Whilst it is a prerequisite of such a bid that more trains must be provided than the current six between Stranraer and Girvan and 15 between Girvan and Ayr nevertheless it is hard to see how such a move would encourage people to travel. Faced with changing trains and high fares it is hardly a recipe for economic growth. (Permalink) John McCutcheon SAYLSA ScotRail Stranraer  Girvan: Scene at Girvan in 2003 with a northbound train about to leave for Glasgow Central.  Ayr: A weary looking traveller walks towards a train for Glasgow Central at Ayr station on 12 July 2002.  Stranraer: A 4-coach 156 combination waits to leave Stranraer for Glasgow Central in July 1998. The letter S appears to be from the next size up! |
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A teenage car driver remains in a serious condition but is said to be 'improving' after a level crossing crash in south west Scotland.
A train struck a car at Dunragit village near Stranraer at about 13:45 on Sunday. (Permalink) Crash Dunragit Level crossing Stranraer  Dunragit: View of Dunragit in August 1964, taken from the front of a DMU bound for Stranraer.  Dunragit: View from a Dumfries to Stranraer service approaching Dunragit in June 1965. The locomotive is self-weighing tender-fitted Black 5 44677. Sister engine 45164 waits in the station with an eastbound 'Po ... |
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Following withdrawal of Stena ferry operations from Stranraer Harbour with services now concentrated on Cairnryan, a connecting coach link has been established between the latter and Ayr Railway Station. [See adjacent images]
(Permalink) Ayr Bus Cairnryan Ferry Stena Line Stranraer Train  Ayr: Passengers boarding the Cairnryan coach outside Ayr station on 2 March 2012.  Ayr: Departure board at Ayr station on 2 March 2012 showing the 12.45 direct coach link with the ferry terminal at Cairnryan.  Cairnryan: Aerial view over Cairnryan looking south showing the former Military Port. Its associated railway ran along the coastline from Leffnol (top) to Cairn Point (bottom). The triangular shape of the modern ... |
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Transport Minister Keith Brown has given an 'absolute commitment' on the future of rail services to Stranraer, during a visit to the town.
Concerns have been raised about the future of the route since Stena Line moved its ferry terminal from the town. Mr Brown met local Labour politicians to discuss their call to improve rail services to the area. He said a task force looking to regenerate the town would meet this month and would discuss rail links. The minister met Labour MP Russell Brown, MSP Claudia Beamish and councillor Willie Scobie. They have highlighted the 'sense of urgency' about the situation after Stena Line, which operates ferries to Northern Ireland, left Stranraer and moved to a new ferry terminal nearer the mouth of Loch Ryan. Many foot passengers used to use Stranraer station after getting off the ferry. Stena Line now takes foot passengers by bus from its terminal near Cairnryan to Ayr railway station. [From Colin McDonald] (Permalink) Keith Brown Stena Line Stranraer  Stranraer: Ferry connection made. Scotrail 156506 looks out from the Harbour trainshed as MV Stena Caledonia turns after reversing out of its berth and heads into Loch Ryan with a Belfast sailing. A numbe ...  Stranraer: 156 501 has recently arrived at Stranraer from Glasgow Central in October 1997 as passengers head for the ferry.  Stranraer Harbour: Glasgow train waits by Stranraer Harbour signalbox. Access by kind permission of British Rail. |
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A revolutionary proposal that could provide significant regeneration benefits to Wigtownshire and Ayrshire is gathering political support.
Originally put forward as an option by SAYLSA (the local Community Rail Partnership for the Stranraer to Ayr line) as the route comes to terms with the loss of over 60,000 passengers following the closure of Stranraer as a ferry port after 150 years, the plan would see a high quality regular rail service between Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stranraer at four hourly intervals linked into the ferry service to Belfast and onward rail links to Dublin. (Permalink) SAYLSA Stranraer |
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A rail consultant has told of his surprise at finding a Victorian engineer's proposals for a rail link between Scotland and Ireland.
Edinburgh-based David Spaven believed the plans for a tunnel, causeway or an undersea bridge between Stranraer and Belfast were not widely known today. The plans feature in a new book, Mapping the Railways, Mr Spaven has co-written with author Julian Holland. It also includes abandoned ideas for light railways on Skye and Lewis. Published for the The Times by Collins, the book has been described as the most comprehensive collection of British railway maps dating from 1819 to the present day. (Permalink) Belfast Book David Spaven Jullian Holland Lewis Mapping the Railways Skye Stranraer |
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The future of 22 rural train stations used by only a handful of passengers every week is under threat after Network Rail said the facilities were 'driving up' the cost of running Scotland's railway.
An industry report highlighted the 'low footfall' stations, the majority of which are in the Highlands, including six which attract an average of one passenger for every 10 trains - or even fewer - that pass through them. The findings will heap pressure on the Scottish Government to reconsider their future when setting out its funding priorities next summer for the period between 2015 and 2019. Network Rail, which owns and operates the UK's track and signals, said it was not always apparent the stations were providing a 'valuable social link' for the high level of subsidy they required. Stations with low footfall have a high ratio of cost per passenger. This drives up the costs of operating trains on these lines A spokesman for the company said: 'Stations with low footfall have a high ratio of cost per passenger use. These stations drive up the costs of operating trains on these lines. 'It is Network Rail's role to highlight these cost drivers to the government and wider industry for consideration.' The report, the Initial Investment Plan for Scotland, called for cost-saving to lower the '700m annual taxpayer support for running the rail network north of the border. Of the 22 low-footfall stations, five are on the West Highland Line to Oban and Mallaig, six on the Far North Line connecting Inverness to Wick and Thurso and six on the line from Inverness to Kyle of Lochalsh. But they also include a number of stations on busier routes such as Breich on the Glasgow Central to Edinburgh line and Springfield in Fife. Barry Links in Angus, which has only one train in each direction every day, had the lowest footfall of any Scottish station, with just 90 passengers a year, while its neighbouring station, Golf Street, had 190. Many of the stations in the Highlands are request stops at which trains do not stop unless signalled by a passenger on board a train or at a platform. But the low number of passengers meant the ticket revenue was not even enough to pay for the fuel used by stopping a train and then accelerating out of the station, the IIP report found. The report also highlighted the Girvan to Stranraer line, which it found has only 11 passengers per train, a figure it said was likely to diminish with the closure of Stranraer ferry terminal. By contrast, Edinburgh to Glasgow provides more than one-quarter of ScotRail's revenue and journeys. One-third of the Strathclyde population used a train in the past month, compared with only 11% in the Highlands and North-east, where people are far more dependent on the car. A spokesman for Transport Scotland, which funds the Scottish rail network and is responsible for the ScotRail franchise, would only say that delivering a 'lower cost railway' would be central when it came to specifying funding priorities. Previous attempts to close low-use stations have failed after protests by local communities who claimed they provided an important social link. A similar IIP report produced in 2006 called for a number of stations to be closed but the recommendations were rejected by the then Scottish Executive. However, industry analysts said there was now greater pressure on the UK and Scottish governments to achieve cost savings given the squeeze on public finances and recent findings that Britain's railway costs around 30% more to run than similar European railways. ScotRail, which operates 95% of passenger trains in Scotland, said low-use stations went back to the days of British Rail and were inherited when it was awarded the franchise in 2004. (Permalink) Far North Line Kyle Line ScotRail Stranraer West Highland Lines |
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Carrick's MSP has voiced concern over the future of the Girvan to Stranraer railway line, and Girvan station, after a decision by Irish Sea ferry operator Stena Line to bus its passengers straight to Ayr from its new port at Cairnryan.
(Permalink) Cairnryan Girvan Stena Line Stranraer Girvan: The driver of the 1102 to Stranraer has collected the token from the Girvan signalman on 26 May and is ready to set off south with unit 156 514. Girvan: The immaculate interior of the waiting room at Girvan, Scotland's only art deco station, seen on 3 June. Even the ceiling is glossy. The more modern seating is unfortunately not sympathetic, though pr ... Stranraer: A Sunday morning service for Glasgow Central leaving Stranraer Harbour in August 2003. |
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Monday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00 - Free (Non-ticketed)
Royal OverSeas League, 100 Princes Street Edinburgh. Supported by ScotRail, award-winning Edinburgh artist Leo du Feu captures the breathtaking views from Scotland's Railways. Featuring the Aberdeen-Inverness and Glasgow-Stranraer lines, detailed miniature paintings and sketches reveal Scotland's hidden treasures. (Permalink) Aberdeen Artist Inverness Leo du Feu ScotRail Stranraer |
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Train services beyond Girvan will be cut at the end of the year under new timetable plans by rail bosses. The Gazette has learned that services to Barrhill and Stranraer will be cut to only six a day, but services to Maybole and Girvan will see a 25 per cent increase.
(Permalink) Girvan Maybole Stranraer |
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A report claims train and pier facilities could unlock a multi-million pound tourism boost for Dumfries and Galloway.
(Permalink) Stranraer Stranraer: 156 501 has recently arrived at Stranraer from Glasgow Central in October 1997 as passengers head for the ferry.  Stranraer Harbour: A Type 2 carries out some shunting operations at Stranraer Harbour in October 1972.  Stranraer: Looking back through Stranraer Harbour station from the buffer stops on 1 August 2008. The station signal box now appears to be permanently switched out with only the platform line in use. |
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Transport campaigners have warned that the rail line which links Stranraer to Glasgow could face closure in under three years due to rising costs and the loss of direct ferry connections to Ireland next year.
(Permalink) Stena Line Stranraer Stranraer: A Sunday morning service for Glasgow Central leaving Stranraer Harbour in August 2003.  Stranraer: The Stena Seacat ferry service from Belfast prepares to dock at Stranraer Harbour on 29 July 2008, while a First Scotrail 156 DMU awaits passengers at the station platform.  Stranraer Harbour: Looking towards the buffer stops and Loch Ryan at Stranraer Harbour station early in the morning of 28 April 1990. The class 47 has recently arrived with the sleeper from Euston, while the 156 awaits ... |
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The A75 is closed at Dunragit to allow rail inspectors to check damage to a bridge after a crash.
(Permalink) A75 Bridge strike Challoch Dunragit Stranraer Dunragit: View of Dunragit in August 1964, taken from the front of a DMU bound for Stranraer. Dunragit: View from a Dumfries to Stranraer service approaching Dunragit in June 1965. The locomotive is self-weighing tender-fitted Black 5 44677. Sister engine 45164 waits in the station with an eastbound 'Po ... |
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The Maxwelltown Branch has been lifted for scrap. This was the eastern end of the old Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway and part of the Port Road. The stub survived the rest of the line to serve oil sidings at Maxwelltown and chemical sidings at Cargenden. The only section of the Port Road to remain open now is that between the former Challoch Junction and Stranraer.
(Permalink) Dumfries Maxwelltown Stranraer  Maxwelltown: Road approach to the former Maxwelltown station in 2017. The station, now a private residence, closed to passengers in 1939. The old station yard off to the right saw use as a rail served fuel distrib ...  Maxwelltown: The Port Road looking west through Maxwelltown towards Stranraer in May 2003, with the line having reverted to nature. Part of the fuel distribution depot can just be seen beyond the station building ...  Maxwelltown: View east from Terregles Road, Maxwelltown, looking towards Dumfries on 29 May 2007, following conversion of the old trackbed into what has now become the 'Maxwelltown Railway Path'. For the same view ... |
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Meeting was held in Stranraer on the 18th and 19th of May at the North West Castle Hotel.
Stena's route director Alan Gordon said that the move to Cairnryan might occur at end-2006, but he predicted that with shorter journey times and more journey opportunities there would be a long-term future for rail and sail in the growing market for travel between Northern Ireland and Scotland, which would in future involve a bus transfer between Cairnryan and the train at Girvan, Stranraer or a station between those points. ScotRail Operations Director Steve Banaghan said that transferring ferry passengers to Girvan could be the best option. There would be an opportunity as well as a threat presented by the ferry being moved since if the timetable was no longer driven by ferry times, it could potentially be a positive thing for the line. However Chris Ballance MSP claimed that it was 'remarkably perverse logic' to take half the passengers off the train at Girvan, and James King of the RPC also expressed concern that ferry passengers might be reluctant to transfer between trains and buses. John Nelson for Dumfries and Galloway Council said that their top rail aspiration was for a relocated station at either Cairnryan Road or the old Town site where it could better serve the people of Stranraer. (Permalink) Cairnryan Girvan ScotRail Stena Line Stranraer |
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The future of Stranraer station (formerly Stranraer Harbour) must be in doubt following Stena's planned relocation of their ferry terminal from Stranraer to Cairnryan. The scheme requires planning approval.
The move was anticipated, there is a possiblity that the harbour station will be closed to be replaced by a re-opened Stranraer Town station. The crossing to Ireland was the raison d'etre for both the line from Ayr to Stranraer and the closed Dumfries to Stranraer line. The new berths will be a joint venture between Stena and P&O who already operate from Cairnryan. It is disappointing that the move comes 41 years after closure of the railway to Cairnryan when relocation of the ferry services from Stranraer to Cairnryan was discussed at that time. (Permalink) Cairnryan Girvan ScotRail Stena Line Stranraer |
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Dumfries and Galloway Council have proposed creation of two new Trans-Pennine Inter City rail routes to link: Leeds with Glasgow (via Carlisle, Dumfries and Kilmarnock) Middlesbrough with Belfast (via Newcastle, Carlisle, Prestwick Airport and the Stena Line HSS high speed ferry service from Stranraer). This would, in effect create a Trans-Pennine 'Borderer Express' providing a new Inter City service between Northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
These proposals are purely a suggested extension of the new Trans-Pennine franchise seen as additional to existing local services and, more importantly, that, whilst the two proposed express routes could form a natural extension to the new Trans-Pennine franchise, their geographical position and cross-border nature could fit equally into an extended ScotRail franchise or a new Northern England Franchise express service. A further reduction in the number of Trans-Pennine bidders to just 2 companies is expected this month with the SRA expeected to announce the successful bidders by Easter. (Permalink) ScotRail Stena Line Stranraer Trans-Pennine |
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Awards from the Public Transport Fund announcement by the Scottish Transport minister;
- New station for Gartcosh - Possible re-location of Stranraer station - An interchange at Inverkeithing with buses for Edinburgh Airport - Modifications to SPT rolling stock - Improvements to stations in East Renfrewshire and East Lothian (Permalink) Edinburgh Airport Gartcosh Inverkeithing Public Transport Fund Stranraer |
KML version
