Town harbour overhaul dream 'about to be realised'

Work on the redevelopment of an historic harbour in southern Scotland is set to begin following the appointment of a main contractor.

Carlisle-based construction firm, Cubby Construction, will spearhead the £15.6m project in Annan, which includes a new maritime heritage centre, event space, leisure lagoon and cafe.

The firm will take possession of the site at the beginning of April, with the regeneration work expected to run for two years.

Millions of pounds in funding for the project has been secured from the Scottish government, the UK government's Levelling Up Fund, Dumfries and Galloway Council and the South of Scotland Enterprise.

Annan harbour was once busy with shipbuilding, commerce and fishing but it declined in the second half of the 20th Century.

The group behind the project said the milestone marked the start of an important chapter for the town.

Mike Rodger, who chairs the Annan Harbour Action Group, said: ''After many years of decline and neglect, the dreams and vision of a few determined people are about to be realised.

''Designs have been prepared, the public consulted, all options costed and the necessary funding secured.

"Now, after six years of preparation, contractors have been appointed and contracts signed, and work will begin next week."