Ferry Operator Stena Line have tabled plans for the first phase of a new £70m port in south west Scotland.

The company want to move the Irish Sea services out of Stranraer into a new terminal to Old House Point near Cairnryan.

Stena Line said the creation of the terminal further up the coast to Loch Ryan would reduce journey times to Belfast.

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Preparatory plans include excavation and infilling operations as well as the widening of the site entrance and regrading of the access road.

The application, which is recommended for approval by Dumfries and Galloway planning officials, will be considered later in the week by the Wigtown area committee.

For the new port plan to progress the firm must seek a harbour empowerment order from the Scottish Government and submit an environmental impact assessment.

A new waterfront is planned for Stranraer once the new terminal is built.

(GK/KMcA)