THE call from the DUP for a visionary project of bridge or tunnel from Galloway to Northern Ireland is not entirely the first plans of its kind to be put forward ("DUP calls for 'visionary' project of bridge or tunnel from Gallow to Northern Ireland", The Herald, May 6).

In 1890 what could be termed Jules Verne conceptions were put forward by certain gentlemen in either bridge or tunnel form. Having rail-borne traffic in mind a pamphlet was produced that extolled the virtues of through trains from mainland Britain. Second thoughts were had on a bridge and no fewer than three separate tunnel schemes were put forward from Stranraer/Portpatrick to Whitehead/Donaghadee. Amongst the options was "a submerged tubular bridge" all held down under water by chains and anchors and if the watertight doors at 500ft intervals were to be closed trapping a train. they could be reopened and the train ejected by the inrush of water acting as a piston

All of this, thankfully for many reasons including financial ones, never came to pass.

John Macnab,

175 Grahamsdyke Street,

Laurieston,

Falkirk.