Plans for a casino in Stranraer look set to progress

Concerns have arisen that the English city's super-casino development is set to be axed by the UK government.

However, ministers have written to authorities confirming that 16 smaller regional facilities can go ahead.

A Scottish Government spokesman said it had been informed of the intention to proceed with the Stranraer project.

The ferry port development is the only one being considered for Scotland.

A final decision on the Manchester development is expected to be announced in the next few weeks.

Legal action

However, it appears that the progress of the Stranraer scheme will not be hampered, even if the super-casino is shelved.

A Scottish Government spokesman confirmed the Dumfries and Galloway project could still go ahead.

He said: "We have received notification from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport of the intention to proceed with eight large and eight small casinos - including a small casino at Stranraer - although we understand that no final decision has been made."

The spokesman added that he had no information on the proposed Manchester super-casino.