Stranraer Development Trust (SDT) was formed in 2016 by a group of people concerned about the decline of the town. The Trust's main aims are to achieve sustainable regeneration of the Stranraer community, addressing a range of economic, social, environmental and cultural issues. It will take forward projects that will increase opportunities, improve the attractiveness of the town, attract more visitors and restore a lost sense of pride in the town and what it has to offer. One of the major successes of the SDT has been the Stranraer Oyster Festival, launched in 2017.
The trustees are delighted with the overwhelming support from the people of the town and the local Loch Ryan Estate. Launched in 2017, the Stranraer Oyster Festival has been credited with changing the narrative of Stranraer from one of economic deprivation to one of potential. Loch Ryan is home to Scotland's oldest and finest native oysters, with oyster beds dating back to 1701 after being granted to the Wallace family (SLE member - Loch Ryan Estate) and remaining in the family ever since. Overfishing and pollution have severely reduced oyster numbers throughout Scotland, but the estate has worked hard to ensure the sustainability of the native oyster in Loch Ryan, which is now the largest oyster bed in Scotland. The director and driving force behind SDT is local businessman Romano Petrucci, who has worked tirelessly to promote Stranraer's interests. Romano's enthusiasm and vision has attracted support from various agencies to assist with other major projects. SDT have been involved in securing funding for the Watersports Centre (sailing/paddleboard/kayaking), (via the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund) for the redevelopment of the George Hotel, as well as a potential funding for an expansion of the marina to 145 berths. SDT has been working with South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to develop a Place Plan for Stranraer. Alister Jack has been very supportive of the concept and it is hoped that funding will be made available from Borderlands/SOSE/D&G Council and the Scottish Government.
The Stranraer Oyster Festival is credited with changing the story of Stranraer from one of economic deprivation to one of potential. The 2022 festival programme included many demonstrations and events, including celebrity chefs. The festival was sponsored by Ascensos (who have a base in Stranraer) and was supported by EventScotland's National Events Funding Programme and D&G Council's Major Events Strategic Fund (previous years' sponsors included: Stena, Glenmorangie and The Peoples Lottery). The 2022 Stranraer Oyster Festival generated an economic boost of £1.7 million. The three-day oyster festival generated £1.7 million in local economic impact. Attendance was up 6% on 2019, despite heavy rain and extreme weather warnings. Local businesses credited the festival with encouraging product and service development, according to an independent economic impact report. The study, carried out by MKA Economics, also found that this level of visitor spend should help to support 25 local tourism-related jobs.
The Stranraer Oyster Festival has grown to:
2017: 10,000 visitors and £520,000 economic impact.
2018: 14,000 and £1,020,000.
2019: 17,000 and £1.5m.
2022: 18,000 and £1.86m.
The economic impact research found that 87% of visitors were in the area as a direct result of the festival, and noted an increase in the number of visitors staying in the area, as well as an increase in the average length of stay. Researchers also analysed the impact of the festival on participating local businesses and found that traders reported individual economic impacts of up to £10,000 each. Half (49%) of traders said that hosting the festival had encouraged them to think of new ways to develop or promote their business, product or service.
SDT also operate the Gateway to Galloway Visitor Centre and Community Hub, which aims to be sustainable, viable and provide long term economic and cultural community benefits not only for Stranraer but for the whole of Galloway, contributing to Scotland's success. Developed by SDT, Gateway to Galloway is the culmination of three years of planning for the group, who will take over the striking art deco clock tower and former harbour master's building in 2021. All in all, it's an impressive list of achievements for a relatively young organisation that has had to work against many odds, including a swine flu pandemic, a cost of living crisis and the closure of Stena Port in 2011. Instead of giving up, the Stranraer community has rallied together and achieved many great successes, with more major projects in the pipeline. "Whatever we do and whatever we achieve, we must do it together. Not for any one person, group or business, but for the good of Stranraer today, tomorrow and long into the future" Romano Petrucci, Chairman. Other awards for SDT include Winner of Community Event of the Year (D and G Life magazine) 2018, Regional Ambassador of the Year (Scottish Thistle Awards) 2019, Highly Commended Director of the Year Glasgow and South West Scotland (Institute of Directors) 2023.