McDonald's scraps plans for Cairnryan drive-thru at site of derelict Lochryan Hotel

Plans for a McDonald’s drive-thru in Dumfries and Galloway have been scrapped just months after permission was granted for the site.

The restaurant was due to be developed at the site of the derelict Lochryan Hotel in Cairnryan, close to the Port of Cairnryan.

Permission was first sought for the development in November 2025, with Dumfries and Galloway planning officers initially recommending that the application be refused.

A report to the local authority’s planning applications committee in February 2026 stated that the site would be “heavily reliant” on private transport due to its location.

Permission was granted subject to conditions in June 2026, following a revised application.

The site was expected to create up to 120 new part-time and full-time jobs, as well as generating between £50,000 and £60,000 in business rates.

In a letter sent to Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson on Tuesday, the company confirmed it has made the “difficult” decision not to progress with the development.

It added that it “remained committed to exploring future opportunities across Dumfries and Galloway”.

Carson said he was “deeply disappointed” by the announcement, describing it as a “significant setback” for the area.

He added: “Not only does it mean the loss of potential jobs and investment for the local area, but it is also another missed opportunity to strengthen services and facilities at one of Scotland’s key gateway locations.

“For years, communities in the west of the region have argued that investment too often goes elsewhere.

“This project had secured planning consent and enjoyed strong local support, making today’s announcement all the more frustrating.”

Carson said he would seek clarification from McDonald’s on the reasons behind its decision, including whether a “protracted planning process” contributed.

He added: “If it did, there may be important lessons to be learned to ensure future investment opportunities are not lost and that businesses are encouraged to invest in our region.”