STRANRAER, a royal parliamentary and municipal burgh and seaport-town of Wigtonshire, on the S. shore of Loch Ryan, 8 miles N.E. of Portpatrick, and 50 S. of Ayr. It consists principally of three main streets running parallel to the shore, and connected by several cross streets. Among the principal public buildings are an elegant parish church, a town-hall, and a jail, which was formerly one of the residences of the noble family of Stair. Besides the parish church there are a quoad sacra church, two Free churches, three United Presbyterian, an Original Secession, a Reformed Presbyterian church, and a Roman Catholic chapel. There is likewise a poorhouse for the Rhynns of Galloway situated here. There are also an academy and several schools, some of which are endowed. Stranraer is a thriving place, and forms the emporium for the Rhynns or western district of Wigtonshire. The number of registered shipping belonging to the port at 31st December 1858 was 30, tonnage 1196. The number of vessels that entered the port during that year was 503, tonnage 35,644; left, 368, tonnage 31,564. The harbour is protected by a high-water stone-pier, with a wooden continuation, which is at present (1860) undergoing extensive improvements. Stranraer is on the line of the Castle-Douglas and Portpatrick Railway, now approaching completion. It has a weekly market and several annual fairs. It unites with Wigton, Whithorn, and New Galloway in sending a member to Parliament. Pop. (1851) of royal burgh, 3877; of parliamentary burgh, (5738).