This month, Stranraer has welcomed an eye-catching visitor to its waters—the Challenger of Leith, a working vessel operated by Coastworks Ltd. Based at Fairlie Quay near Largs, the Challenger made a brief but important stop in Stranraer.
But why exactly was the Challenger doing here—and why does it matter to Stranraer?
What’s Happening?
The Challenger of Leith has collected sediment samples from the seabed in and around Stranraer using a specialist tool known as a vibrocorer. This equipment gently penetrates the seabed using high-frequency vibrations and gravity to extract soft sediment samples. The process is efficient, relatively quiet, and minimally disruptive to the marine environment.
These samples are an essential step in Scotland’s marine licensing process, governed by the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010. Before any dredging activity can take place in our waters—whether for maintenance, construction, or harbour improvements—samples must be collected and analysed.
Why It Matters
Marine sediments can carry the long history of a place beneath the waves, including traces of past industrial activity. Sampling these sediments allows scientists to:
- Determine their type and condition
- Check for possible contamination
- Decide the most environmentally responsible way to handle them
This decision-making process is called the Best Practicable Environmental Option (BPEO). It ensures that any dredged material is reused or disposed of in the best way possible—whether that’s using it to restore an eroding beach or depositing it at a licensed sea disposal site.
The closest of these sites to Stranraer is located just outside Loch Ryan, in the North Channel. If sediments are found to contain high levels of contaminants, they may be removed from the marine environment entirely and treated or disposed of on land, in line with strict environmental standards.
A Broader Journey
Stranraer is just one stop on the Challenger’s busy spring schedule. Before arriving here, she was working off the west coast of Mull, and now her mission in Loch Ryan is complete, she’s heading north to Loch Ness to support another marine project. It’s a reminder of just how connected Scotland’s coastal communities are—and how vital this kind of environmental work is to sustaining those links.
Did you spot the Challenger?
If you have been near the harbour this last week, you may have spotted the Challenger of Leith—a strong and capable vessel playing a small but significant role in protecting and understanding our marine environment.
