Whithorn 'pilgrims' set for accommodation upgrade
- Published
A 16-bed bunkhouse will be built as part of the building's overhaul
Walkers on a 143-mile "pilgrimage" route from Glasgow to southern Scotland are set for an accommodation upgrade.
A £2.6m funding package has been completed to transform Whithorn's former New Town Hall into a community hub and bunkhouse.
Its 16 beds will mainly be used by travellers on the Whithorn Way which visits a range of religious sites.
Julia Muir Watt of All Roads Lead to Whithorn said it was hoped it could help revive the town.
Funding for the project has come from a range of organisations - including the Scottish government - with the last slice being provided by South of Scotland Enterprise.
Ms Muir Watt said it was hoped it could be a catalyst for regeneration in and around the town.
It is hoped the upgrade can help regenerate Whithorn and its surrounding area
"I think we are just aiming to create a complete change in the direction that Whithorn has been headed which, for several hundred years, you could say has been downward," she said.
"This is to create that social and economic change, it is a trigger for other investors."
She said it was hoped the accommodation could help kick-start other businesses and help local shops.
"We suffer as everybody does from a declining high street," she said.
"Older people will remember when there were 60 shops and now that is down to a handful.
"We need to do something different with our high streets."
The route runs for 143-miles from Glasgow to the south of Scotland
The town hall redevelopment should be completed by autumn next year and will include a gym and sports facilities and a learning hub as well as the accommodation.
It is hoped that it can attract people to stop off on their way along the Whithorn Way.
The route starts at Glasgow Cathedral before heading to other religious sites including Paisley Abbey, Glenluce Abbey and Whithorn Priory.
It continues on past Whithorn and passes St Ninian's Cave and St Ninian's Chapel before ending near the harbourside village of Isle of Whithorn.