Since March 2023, we've been working in partnership with the Stranraer Development Trust, Dumfries & Galloway Council, and the Town Team to shape the future of Stranraer through a community-led, place-based approach towards a long-term strategy to reimagine Stranraer as a thriving, future-ready town. 

Appointed initially as part of the SLR team in May 2024, our remit has been to support the town’s bid for investment via the Borderlands Towns Investment Plan (BTIP) — a key strand of the £350m cross-border programme Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal.

Our preparation of six HM Treasury Green Book-compliant outline business cases, demonstrating clear economic, social, and environmental benefit was a key action in a successful initial submission in October that secured a £3 million commitment from the  Borderlands Partnership Board.

Our role has evolved spanning strategic guidance, visioning, governance support, and capacity-building. We have facilitated inclusive, participatory workshops with community members and stakeholders to shape each project ambition and output, all the while mentoring the Town Team and Stranraer Development Trust on governance, partnership building, and best-practice delivery models.

Our opportunity mapping and needs analysis insight (informed by data, and local intelligence) has been crafted to ensure alignment with BTIP priorities, including economic resilience, inclusive growth and low-carbon transition.

The next phase of the project will see us turn our attention to the development of a brand identity for the town.