Multi-million pound plan to transform harbour secures funding

Alan Thomson of Annan Harbour Action Group and SOSE's James Pattison celebrate reaching their funding goal

The planned regeneration of a harbour in the south of Scotland has taken a major step forward after securing millions of pounds worth of funding.

Annan Harbour Action Group has raised £15.6m for the project which plans to transform an historic warehouse and the surrounding quayside.

It is expected to include a maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon, nature walks, visitor hub and a café.

The final part of the funding jigsaw came from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) which has committed a grant of £1.2m to the project.

The regeneration has also been backed by the Scottish government, the UK's Levelling Up Fund and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Annan harbour was once busy with shipbuilding, commerce and fishing but it declined in the second half of the 20th Century.

Alan Thomson, of Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG), said: "We are delighted that SOSE has been able to invest in the Annan harbour regeneration project and provide the final piece to complete our capital funding jigsaw.

''Our vision is to reconnect Annan and district with the harbour and once again revive it as an economic driving force.

"In addition, we want to provide access to our maritime and fishing heritage and a gateway to the unique environments of the Inner Solway and River Annan for our community and visitors.''

An artists' impression shows the action group's plans for Annan harbour

SOSE claims the redevelopment is expected to attract 11,000 extra annual visitors to Annan by its fifth year.

And they said it could help socio-economic benefits for the local area of £27m.

Russel Griggs, who chairs South of Scotland Enterprise, said: "Annan harbour has a fascinating thousand-year history of fishing, trade and shipbuilding, but has fallen on harder times in recent years.

"That is why the regeneration plans by the Annan Harbour Action Group are to be applauded and supported.

"We need to empower our communities to be enterprising and sustainable and that is exactly what the exciting plans for the harbour will do, providing facilities for both local people and visitors."

The action group want to restore Annan harbour into productive use

The warehouse will be part of the transformation

Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes confirmed that the Scottish government would be investing £1.3m through is vacant and derelict land investment programme.

She added: "Annan harbour has a fascinating thousand-year history of fishing, trade and shipbuilding, but has fallen on harder times in recent years.

"That is why the regeneration plans by the Annan Harbour Action Group are to be applauded and supported."