Stena Stranraer to Cairnryan move

[ajdunlop]

I just found out about the Stenaline ferry move to a new facility at Cairnryan from their current dock at Stranraer (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/8509382.stm). Does anyone know if there are any plans to extend the rail link from Stranraer to up to Cairnryan? I suspect that the only thing keeping the current line going is the harbour (given that Stranaer's station is at the end of the harbour rather than near the town) and the good value that Rail and Sail tickets can be. Surely this move is a nail in the coffin for this line or is there a plan?
If there isn't a plan then surely this has been a huge oversight on the part of the Scottish government. This does however explain the state of the current passenger buildings at Stranaer, these are glorified port-a-cabins with slot machines and some seats.

 

[tbtc]

Surely this move is a nail in the coffin for this line

And the town.

With the move to flights from Prestwick/ Glasgow etc, the ferry market has obviously gone down over the years, but does this mean the end of *all* ferries from the town?

 

[gingerheid]

I think the plan for the railway line is to "free it" from having to run at times to meet ferries.

 

[CarterUSM]

That would seem a folly, the passenger load seems to have a high proportion of rail and sail travellers. To be fair though, there is very little reason to travel to stranraer for anything else!

 

[jamesontheroad]

According to this week's Railway Herald, the Scottish Government has approved the move. Old news, or final confirmation?

 

[D6975]

Didn't I read somewhere that the station would be relocated to the site of the old Stranraer Town station?