Upgrading the A75 has become a priority for the UK government and both it and the devolved Scottish government have put forward recommendations. Meanwhile, hauliers continue the daily go-slow on one of the country’s busiest roads, writes Kevin Swallow.
ON THE eastern shore of Loch Ryan six miles north of Stranraer is the village of Cairnryan. With a population of 142 at the last census in 2001, the Dumfries and Galloway village is home to two deep-sea ports that link to Northern Ireland.
In 1973 P&O Ferries moved in with a roll-on roll-off service to Larne, and in 2011, Stena Line relocated from Stranraer opening a new terminal at Old House Point for its operation to Belfast.
Ferry traffic uses both the A75 and A77. It is estimated by the UK government that two in every three trucks on the A75 is on the Scottish leg of a longer journey that requires the port.
