Enterprising communities - regeneration of Annan Harbour gains SOSE support
The transformation of a historic harbour has been backed by our seven-figure investment.
Our £1.2million grant is part of an overall £15.65m redevelopment of Annan Harbour, which will aim to reinvigorate the area for the benefit of local people, and bring thousands more visitors to the Dumfriesshire town.
The ambitious proposals by Annan Harbour Action Group (AHAG) will transform the historic warehouse and surrounding quayside area with a series of exciting community and visitor facilities.
What facilities will be included?
- Maritime heritage centre
- Event space
- Leisure lagoon
- Accessible nature walks
- Community gathering
- Training and retail space
- Visitor hub
- Café.
Community benefits
The redevelopment is ultimately expected to attract 11,000 extra annual visitors to Annan by its fifth year and help generate socio-economic benefits for the local area of £27m.
Partnership support
The multi-million-pound project has also been backed by the Scottish Government, UK’s Levelling Up Fund and Dumfries & Galloway Council.
Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said:
“The Scottish Government is committed to community-led regeneration as a driver for local economic growth.
“This project at Annan Harbour is a great example of taking local culture and natural heritage to enhance the area for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.
“We are investing £1.3million through our Vacant and Derelict Land Investment Programme which supports innovative local approaches to tackling persistent vacant and derelict land to deliver new green infrastructure in support of our Net Zero ambitions.”
Russel Griggs, Chair of South of Scotland Enterprise, said:
“Annan Harbour has a fascinating thousand-year history of fishing, trade and shipbuilding, but has fallen on harder times in recent years.
“That is why the regeneration plans by the Annan Harbour Action Group are to be applauded and supported.
“We need to empower our communities to be enterprising and sustainable and that is exactly what the exciting plans for the Harbour will do, providing facilities for both local people and visitors.
“Working with local and national partners, SOSE will continue to support this transformation of the Harbour area, which is vital for the town of Annan.”
Alan Thomson, Advancement and Development Manager at AHAG, added:
“We are delighted that SOSE has been able to invest in the Annan Harbour Regeneration project and provide the final piece to complete our capital funding jigsaw.
‘’Our vision is to reconnect Annan and District with the Harbour and once again revive it as an economic driving force.
“In addition, we want to provide access to our maritime and fishing heritage and a gateway to the unique environments of the Inner Solway and River Annan for our community and visitors.’’