Crucial task
I'm delighted to see the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines going well across the region.
The vaccination programme, spearheaded by NHS Dumfries and Galloway, has by most accounts, been swiftly delivered so far.
As with any operation on this scale, administrative glitches can arise, but I would like to pay tribute to all the individuals and organisations working so hard, including the additional support provided by Army personnel.
Vaccination and testing will remain key to further progress in the coming months and it remains essential that those vaccinated, like the wider community, continue to take precautions and observe social distancing.
Climate focus
I valued a recent opportunity to have a virtual meeting with local members of the Scottish Youth Parliament.
Not surprisingly one of their principal concerns was the future impact of climate change.
That illustrates just how important the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26), hosted by the UK Government in Glasgow this November, will be to the global community.
Decisions taken at this massive event on our doorstep could be crucial to the planet's future and that is why I'm enthusiastic to see engagement on the issue with young people like our local MSYPs Hannah, Halime and Cameron.
Planning ahead
I look forward with interest to the publication shortly of the Union Connectivity Review being led by Network Rail chairman Sir Peter Hendy.
Having met Sir Peter on several occasions I know how much he understands the importance of the A75 strategically to the whole United Kingdom and beyond.
As MP, like most of my constituents, I also appreciate how much this busy route means to us locally in our everyday lives.
Whether providing a faster link to the Cairnryan ferry port or even the much discussed proposal for a cross-channel tunnel to Northern Ireland, upgrading the A75 would provide solutions and employment locally and nationally.
I would again urge SNP Scottish Ministers at Holyrood, who are stopping their civil servants from co-operating with the Hendy study, to perform a u-turn and allow this project, which would particularly benefit south-west Scotland, to progress.
Poignant anniversary
It was interesting to look back this week at media accounts and pictures of events two decades ago in our region.
Eastern parts of the area were close to the epicentre of the devastating 2001 Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.
The slaughter of prized livestock, burning carcuses and the lingering stench will never be forgotten by many rural and town dwellers.
Looking back at the cuttings was also a reminder of how, in times of crisis, our communities pull together.