£17m harbour work set to go

WORK is due to start ‘within weeks’ on a long-planned major regeneration project at Annan Harbour.

A main contractor, well-known as an employer in the area’s construction sector, has been chosen with a formal announcement expected in the near future.

The Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) plan includes transforming the historic quayside warehouse and adjoining harbour area into a maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon and café.

This should open the door to a range of activities for multiple age-groups, including kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, rowing, sailing and possibly cold-water swimming.

Meanwhile, the nearby Minister’s Merse, in past centuries once home to the Royal Burgh’s rubbish dump, will be accessed by a connecting bridge and transformed into an enhanced nature and wildlife haven with paths and observation spots.

Alan Thomson, AHAG advancement and development manager, this week welcomed the progress which should see work begin on the ground in time for the key summer months.

Amongst his visitors was David Mundell MP, who helped lobby for the project’s largest financial contribution which came from the UK Government Levelling Up Fund.

Other contributors towards the estimated

£17m total cost include the Scottish Government, South of Scotland Enterprise and Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Mr Mundell, who was accompanied by South of Scotland MSP Craig Hoy, said: “It’s been a long journey and it will be fantastic to see work taking place on the ground.

“It is a challenging and complex project, and factors such as the weather and tides will be in the mix, but I look forward to seeing this exciting and game-changing development progress over the next two years.”

Mr Hoy added: “Alan and his team, including many volunteers, have worked extremely hard to take this project forward in recent years.

“I believe bringing this historic harbour back to life in this positive way will blend the port’s rich heritage with an attraction with even broader appeal which will help put the town on the map for generations to come.”