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The Stranraer to Ayr Line Support Association (SAYLSA) was formed
in 2007 as a community-led rail partnership with the aim of developing services and facilities for this historic railway as
well as helping to secure its long-term future. It is a charity registered in Scotland and members include Community
Councils, local Councillors, rail passengers, former railway staff, people with an interest in the line and First ScotRail.
SAYLSA has two branches
which meet quarterly and these are at Girvan in South Ayrshire - which has the only art deco station in Scotland
- and Stranraer, in Dumfries and Galloway, which has the oldest working harbour station in the UK.
SAYLSA has helped
celebrate the line’s 130th anniversary in 2007 with local children and their teachers from schools in Girvan and Stranraer
travelling to each others' schools by train in Victorian costume. May 24th 2010 marked the 150th anniversary
of the railway reaching Girvan.
SAYLSA has adopted Maybole, Girvan, Barrhill and Stranraer stations under First ScotRail's
adopt a station scheme and maintains the plants at these stations along with Network Rail staff at Barrhill and First ScotRail
staff at Stranraer. SAYLSA has its own shop at Girvan station which is open on Mondays to Saturdays and Bank Holidays
and meets with First ScotRail to press for improved train services as well as lobbying for the development of the
line.
We welcome membership from anyone. You don’t have to live locally, or indeed in Scotland, nor do you have
to attend meetings although all members, especially those living in the area, are encouraged to come along to help shape the
future of this important line.
Since the closure of the 'Port Road' between Dumfries and Stranraer in June 1965,
the Stranraer to Ayr line is the only rail link left to Galloway and SAYLSA believes that it is strategically important for
the area that the line remains, even when ferry services relocate to Port Ryan.
If you would like to join SAYLSA as a member,
you can do so by completing the form below. Membership costs from just £7.50 annually for e-membership or £10.00
if you would like us to post correspondence to you and subscriptions help us to continue our work which is
carried out by volunteers.
click here to download membership form
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