Local heroes making things happen
Long sunny summer days like those this week provide an ideal setting for march-ridings, festivals and agricultural shows which illustrate the best of Dumfries and Galloway.
Unfortunately the weather was not so kind when I attended the recent Guid Nychburris Festival at Dumfries but despite that the organisers did a great job in ensuring everything proceeded like clockwork.
Such events, large and small, historical, cultural or sport-driven, are the backbone of our communities and those organisers who give so freely of their time deserve all our appreciation.
As I get out and about this summer I look forward to catching up with them across the constituency.
Decision off target
I was pleased to secure a debate at Westminster this week as part of the campaign to have shooting reinstated to the line-up at the next Commonwealth Games.
I was surprised that such a skilful pursuit, at which the UK home nations excel, has been dropped after many decades from the 2022 games at Birmingham.
Castle Douglas constituent David McMath, who won a shooting gold medal for Scotland at the Gold Coast Games, was naturally deeply disappointed.
With interest in shooting strong across the Commonwealth, particularly in smaller nations, and realistic options for a venue near the host city in time for 2022, I will continue to press for a rethink.
New approach
There has been much discussion about the UK benefits system since the roll-out of Universal Credit started.
I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) staff in Dumfries to find more about the new system's roll-out in the region.
Universal Credit replaces many previously individual benefits.
There has been positive feedback locally not only from DWP staff but also from some clients, who perceived a greater focus on individual needs.
Such a major change can prove unsettling but it appears the Dumfries and Galloway transition is progressing reasonably well.
