Lost lives
Tragic consequences from drugs misuse are a concern in Dumfries and Galloway and across much of the world.
Too many of our local communities have been touched by the heartache of drug-related deaths, including many amongst younger people.
For a number of years Scotland’s record of deaths related to drug misuse has climbed alarmingly and is significantly higher than that in England, Wales and, proportionately, amongst the worst in Europe.
Despite having access to tools used across the UK to combat illegal drug problems, the SNP-led Scottish Government, have, after many years at the helm, now come up with proposals to decriminalise possession of drugs for personal use.
The Scottish Government has already tried a softer approach in controlling drugs and that clearly has not helped reduce deaths.
Sadly, this latest move has the hallmarks of SNP Ministers putting forward changes, not within their devolved powers, following a pattern of manufacturing grievances with the UK Government, designed to further their independence agenda.
The illegal drugs trade does not respect borders and a UK-wide approach at certain levels is sensible although the Scottish Government do already have some devolved responsibilities which could also make a significant difference.
I believe reducing drugs abuse must be treated as a high priority health issue, but decriminalising possession of drugs for personal use could, in my view, create more problems than it solves.
As I’ve stated before, the UK Government stand ready to work with the Scottish Government to find solutions. Every tragedy is one too many.
Scenic beauty
The level of opposition in parts of my constituency about SP Energy Networks’ plans for a new Glenlee-Tongland overhead power line section was not surprising, and I welcomed past opportunities to raise the issue on behalf of constituents.
One of Galloway’s key strengths is our scenic beauty which is appreciated by residents and will hopefully attract an increasing number of visitors in the years to come.
I fully understand the need for a robust and reliable power grid in an era when there will be increasing demands for electricity and energy sources are more dispersed around the country.
The case is now with the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division, and I certainly hope that a fair solution, at very least minimising intrusion to the precious landscape, will prove an eventual outcome.
Naval history
It is good to see Dumfries and Galloway’s link with one of the most famous and determined figures in naval history continues to be highlighted to local people and visitors.
A party was put on to mark the birthday on July 6 of John Paul Jones — widely acknowledged as a founding father of the US Navy — at the cottage where he was born at Arbigland, near Kirkbean, in 1747.
The draw of the sea was perhaps understandable considering the Solway Coast location of the notorious naval adventurer’s home parish where the cottage is now a museum dedicated to his life.
His packed, eventful and sometimes controversial career not only involved leading the fledgling American revolutionary navel fleet but, in contrast, later included service as a commander in the then Russian Imperial Navy.
The museum remains open daily until October 31.