Stair Park – Stranraer

Stair Park is situated in a picturesque park of the same name, hence the name of the ground. The Club have been playing in the park since in 1907, and the park itself even has a bandstand. The ground has seen a lot of improvements in recent years. In 1995 a new Main (South) Stand was constructed at one side of the pitch, built by Barr Construction, at a cost of £500,000. This smart looking covered all seater stand, runs for roughly half the length of the pitch and straddles the half way line. There is a small amount of terracing on each side of the stand. From the back of the Main Stand, you can enjoy good views of the surrounding area to the sea. On the other side is a small stand, that is affectionately known as the ‘Coo Shed’. This is a small covered stand, that has open terracing on either side of it, as well as a standing area in front. In the rear of this stand, are a number of rows of wooden benches. There are also a couple of supporting pillars in this stand.

The Town End at one end of the ground is a small covered terrace, whilst at the other end, there is a small open terrace. At the back of this terrace are a number of trees and bushes, which gives the ground a rural look and I noticed a couple of kids seemed to be permanently employed during the game retrieving match balls from the undergrowth (the forwards were not having a good day on my visit!). There is also a small club shop within the ground, at one side of the Town End. It is also worth mentioning that the pitch is somewhat uneven in places.

Fans are not normally segregated at Stair Park, but if required then away fans are given the Coo Shed and East Terrace, parts of the ground, where up to 2,000 fans can be accommodated. Away supporters tend to congregate in the Coo Shed as they can make themselves more vocally heard from this stand. The refreshment kiosks offer a selection of scotch pies and sausage rolls at 60p each as well as tea and coffee at 50p, per cup. I had an enjoyable afternoon out at Stair Park, however it is worth bearing in mind that when in winter, you should wrap up well as that wind can be biting, coming in off the sea.

Derek Hall adds; ‘Just a few words about Stranraer.  What a cracking little place. Nice pubs, nice chippie and nice guest houses. The best bit of the lot though is the friendly reception at the Stranraer FC Social Club – massively recommended’.

There is no club bar at the ground, however the ground is only a five minute walk away from the town centre where there are plenty of bars and eating establishments. As you leave Stair Park, turn left onto the main road to take you down to the town centre. The nearest bar is down on the right, in the Rudicot Hotel. This has a small quiet bar, which has a separate entrance on the side of the hotel. The bar serves a good pint of real ale (Deuchars IPA). If you continue down into the town centre then the next bar that you come to is ‘The Pub’ on the left hand side. This is a fair sized bar with TV’s and a pool table. There is a chippy and cafe on the same side of the road. If you continue further on into Stranraer along the same main road then on your right you will reach the Grapes pub. This old pub is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide.

Colin Ferguson adds; ‘probably the best bet for a drink before the game, is the Stranraer FC Social Club which is situated in North Strand Street’.

From The North Take the A77 from Glasgow down to Stranraer. This is not a particularly good road, so allow plenty of time for your journey. As you come into Stranraer either follow the road into the town centre and then turn left onto the A75 (Dumfries) and the ground and park are a short distance down this road on the right. Otherwise turn left from the A77, where the ‘football traffic’ is indicated by a sign. This takes you up to the A75 and again turn left and the ground and park are over on the right.

From The East Follow the A75 into Stranraer. As you pass a school on your right, you will come to the ground and park on your left.

Car Parking There is free car parking in the park surrounding the ground, as well as nearby street parking.

Stranraer Railway Station is a fifteen minute walk away from Stair Park. From the railway station you should walk up to the ferry terminal building, opposite North West Castle Hotel. Turn left walk about 150 yards to the ‘Craig n Elder’ Hotel. Turn right onto Stair Drive. At the end of Stair Drive turn left. This takes you onto London Road walk for about 200 yards and Stair Park is on the right hand side actually inside the public park.

Thanks to J McCallum for providing the above directions.

Booking train tickets in advance will normally save you money! Find train times, prices and book tickets with Trainline. Visit the website below to see how much you can save on the price of your tickets:

Adults £15 Concessions £10 Children of secondary school age: £5

Official Programme £2.

Queen Of The South and Ayr United.

Stranraer FC fixture list (takes you to the BBC Sports Website).

Record Attendance

6,500 v Rangers, 1948.

Average Attendance 2018-2019: 339 (League One) 2017-2018: 444 (League One) 2016-2017: 409 (League One)

If you require hotel accommodation in the area then first try a hotel booking service provided by Late Rooms. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will go to help with the running costs of keeping the Guide going.

If you require hotel accommodation in Stranraer then first try a hotel booking service provided by Booking.com. They offer all types of accommodation to suit all tastes and pockets from; Budget Hotels, Traditional Bed & Breakfast establishments to Five Star Hotels and Serviced Apartments. Plus their booking system is straightforward and easy to use. Yes this site will earn a small commission if you book through them, but it will help towards the running costs of keeping this Guide going.

Official Web Site: www.stranraerfc.org Unofficial Web Site: Any recommendations?

If anything is incorrect or you have something to add, then please e-mail me at: [email protected] and I’ll update the guide.