The scope of work in progress extends from the weathervane on top of the clocktower spire right down to the drainage system below the building.

Roof work has included re-slating, renewal of leadwork and replacement of cast iron gutters and downpipes. Comprehensive masonry repairs are being carried out by specialist stonemasons incorporating structural reinforcement while maintaining a traditional finish to the visible face of the stonework. Windows are being refurbished and render finishes removed or repaired over the whole of the building.

Dumfries and Galloway Council said the scale of work required, along with the limited availability of some of the materials needed, means that work on the exterior is now scheduled for completion by mid-October, overlapping with the start of works on the redevelopment of the neighbouring former George Hotel.

Further to recent tendering of CARS repair schemes for Gillespie’s bakery in King Street and the Arches in Hanover Street, the owners of each property have appointed WH Kirkwood Ltd to carry out the construction work required.

Work at Gillespie’s will include comprehensive repairs to the building façade on King Street while the historic Arches shopfront will be reinstated. Gillespie’s bakery is considered one of the best examples of a traditional bakery in Scotland and is a Category A listed building in recognition of this.

Work at Gillespie’s is expected to start in late August while there will be a slightly longer lead-in time to work at the Arches while components of the replacement shopfront are manufactured off-site. Scaffold arrangements at each of these properties is expected to have minimal impact on traffic and pedestrian movement.

Councillor Ian Carruthers, chair of the council’s economy and resources committee, said: “Investment in Stranraer’s historic buildings ensures the high quality of Stranraer’s built environment is maintained for the benefit of the local community, businesses and visitors to the town.

“The work complements the many other initiatives currently underway in the town centre and on the waterfront as part of the drive to reposition Stranraer as a prime marine leisure tourism destination.”

Councillor David Inglis, vice chair of the council’s E&R Committee, added: “Facilities like Stranraer Museum provide a valuable education service for the local community and are a key part of the diverse range of activities a successful tourist destination needs to offer.

“Protecting heritage features such as Gillespie’s bakery and the Arches shopfront maintains the unique character of the town centre and helps make Stranraer a desirable place to live, work and visit.”

Stranraer CARS is enabled by funding from Historic Environment Scotland and Dumfries and Galloway Council.