Let’s move to Stranraer and the Rhinns, Dumfries and Galloway: escape here

Nobody would find you on the edge of the edge

What’s going for it? It’s not often we get to use the word “isthmus” on Let’s move to, but today, folks, is the day. For Stranraer sits on one. Google it, if you’re scratching your head trying to remember first-year geography classes. Because Stranraer’s isthmus defines the place. Here Britain narrows to a pinch – the isthmus – before stretching out as the Rhinns, a “broad headland” or “fat nose” – both Gaelic origins of Stranraer’s name. People used to schlep here for the ferry port. The isthmus was a gateway to other lands. But now that’s moved up the coast to Cairnryan the isthmus seems like more of a wall, lending a feeling of isolation to the low hills beyond, suspended in the ocean, as close in spirit and history to Ireland as to the British Isles. On the plus side this is a fabulous place to escape to. Nobody would find you on the edge of the edge about to drop off the mainland, accompanied only by kittiwakes and hunkered down amid old-fashioned shops like Fraser’s butchers and Chinese takeaways preserved from 1974.

The case against Such isolation is not for everyone. It’s taken some hits since the ferry service moved. Regeneration is continuing, but it’ll be a long road. The glorious waterfront needs work. Stranraer can feel a tad drab.

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