Stranraer harbour station is one of the last harbour stations in the UK and we are at risk of losing it. At one time Stranraer had two stations, Stranraer Town Station and Stranraer Harbour Station; the latter was built to serve passengers using the ferry to Northern Ireland. On approaching the town, the Harbour Junction Signal box was passed and it was here that the two lines separated, the Town Station being on the line which continued to Portpatrick. Neither station was in the heart of the town so that passengers always had a long walk to and from the trains.
The Harbour Station was built on the East Pier where the ferry tied up. This was long before roll-on, roll-off ferries were introduced. In the past the approach was along a narrow causeway with the railway, roadway and "cattle-creep" side by side; the transporting of cattle being an important part of the traffic. It could be quite an experience driving up to the station in gale force winds with lashing rain! In advent of ro-ro ferries meant that a new pier had to be constructed. The introduction of the High Speed catamaran meant further expansion and infilling of the foreshore.
The projected move of the Stena Ferries to a new location nearer the head of Loch Ryan has again raised the spectre of closure of the line between Girvan and Stranraer. While much of the ferry traffic is vehicular, there are many foot passengers who depend on the train to continue to Glasgow or Carlisle and Newcastle. The railway authorities must know when there is likely to be heavy demand but only a two coach DMU is used and passengers frequently have to stand for the duration of their journey.
At one time the train and ferry traffic was integrated as the railway from Ayr was operated by the Caledonian Railway and the ferry by the Caledonian Shipping Company. Now that the two have been completely separated there is little consideration for ferry passengers wishing to continue by rail. The train will leave on time irrespective of whether the arrival of a delayed ferry is imminent. The station has been allowed to fall into an untidy state; the signal box has closed recently, now being used only on rare occasions, with the line control being from farther north.
There are moves to have the station nominated as a listed building, there attempts to encourage special trains and even open a new station for Glenluce Abbey. The scenery over Chirmorie is magnificent, by Miltonish, Glenwhilly and Glenkitten, following the Cross Water and Main Water of Luce, passing the ruins of Glenluce Abbey, glimpse the Solway Firth over Luce Bay and on to the Irish Sea.
Why should Stranraer Harbour Station have any interest to WFA members? During the Great War, contact with Ireland was essential and the crossing from Loch Ryan was the shortest sea crossing. The ferry continued its crossings, carrying many troops to and from Ireland, despite the risk of numerous U-boat attacks on shipping passing through the North Channel. The timings of the ferry could be changed to reduce the risk. Many injured soldiers recuperated at Ransalstown in Northern Ireland. My uncle Bill Calder told of how he would accompany trains carrying soldiers back north from Stranraer to as far north as Thurso. Starting with a full train, by the time they reached their destination, Bill was the only passenger left.
To assist in the anti-submarine surveillance, the Royal Naval Air Station Luce Bay was opened and, although the airships and aircraft based there never actually sank a u-boat, they were essential in keeping the U-boats submerged and unable to attack so readily.
Perhaps the World War 2 importance of Loch Ryan with the building of the diversionary port at Cairnryan, the construction of components of the Mulberry Harbour and the massive flying boat activity over the North Atlantic has overshadowed the Great War importance of the area. Nonetheless is important to maintain a rail link if for no other reason than to reduce the use of the car.
