Stranraer welcomes new closed-road rally

A major closed road rally on the streets of Stranraer could help boost the town's economy.

The Coast to Coast event in July is expected to attract top drivers from across the UK and Ireland.

It follows the success of last year's world coastal rowing championships and popularity of the Oyster Festival.

• Stranraer Oyster Festival expected to reel in thousands

• Festivals bring in £6million for south of Scotland

Organised by the Machars Car Club, the event will be based in Stranraer, and comprise around 52 stage miles on closed minor roads near the town.

The event will run under strict guidelines for closed road rallying which were developed after three deaths at the Jim Clark Rally in the Borders in 2014.

The organisers say spectators will have a number of safe viewing spots - with the cars set to hit the road on the 25th of July.

The new event was welcomed by five-time Scottish champion rally driver David Bogie who plans to take part.

It's also expected to attract drivers from across the Irish Sea.