Stranraer may not be one of the most famous Scottish destinations but the town in the south west of Scotland has an abundance of history to interest visitors.
The town grew out of the settlement around Stranraer Castle - or the Castle of Saint John - which was built around 1510. The four-story, L-plan tower was designed and built by the Adairs of Kilhilt and over the years has served several different purposes - a home, a court, a prison, a garrison and, as it stands now, as a museum showing the history of justice from the Middle Ages to the present day. The castle has been open to the public since 1990.
It's not only the castle in Stranraer that has historic relevance. The town's football team - who play their home games at Stair Park near the centre of town - is the third oldest club in Scotland, having been formed in 1870. In the 2008/09 season they were relegated to the Scottish Third Division meaning that for the eighth successive season they will have played in a different league to the previous year. Despite the relegation, fans of the club are relieved that they still have a team to support as in January 2009 their chairman revealed that there was a 50-50 chance of the club folding due to financial difficulties. However, in March, the club was saved by a local business consortium who took over the club and its debts.
Stranraer's port played an important role in World War II with many submarines and flying boats built there, including the Supermarine Stranraer which was named after the town. Sir Winston Churchill visited Stranraer in 1942 and made his second visit of the war to the United States from the Scottish port.
Travelling from Northern Ireland to Stranraer by ferry has its roots in history as it was used as the droving route for farmers taking their animals to market in Dumfries. Nowadays the ferry to Stranraer service is used by travellers and tourists wanting to make the trip across the Irish Sea. Stranraer's port was the first in Great Britain to offer a roll on, roll off service giving the town a boost in popularity.
As well as being full of history, Stranraer has beauty from the modern era. The town displays this in abundance with its easily recognisable centre, full of colourful buildings and houses which help brighten up any day and look particularly picturesque on a sunny day.
Adam Singleton writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Adam_Singleton
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