Dumfries ready to celebrate
It is great to see a full programme of traditional summer celebrations getting back to normal in the region after two difficult years.
My best wishes go to Cornet Ross Findlater and Lass Robyn Peden who will lead the cavalcade on Saturday during the march-riding part of a busy programme at the annual Dumfries Guid Nychburris Festival.
Along with Queen of the South Elect Kady Kirkpatrick and other principals there has been a long wait for the big day and I feel sure they will have a wonderful time.
I know the hard-working organisers are keeping their fingers crossed that the weather stays dry all day as the streets will be thronged with townspeople and visitors.
Extra help on the way
A perfect storm, driven by factors such as the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, have contributed to what is a global supply and cost-of-living challenge.
In Dumfries and Galloway, the pressures from rising electricity and other commodity prices are clear to see with the high price of fuel a significant issue as, for many constituents, motoring is an everyday necessity rather than a luxury.
There are no easy solutions but I’m pleased a further round of UK Government support to those who most need it will be delivered from July 14.
A £37 billion UK-wide package will provide help to pay energy bills, make changes to the Universal Credit taper rate and provide the Scottish Government with funds to allow them to rebate council tax.
Safeguarding power supply
A number of constituents lost power for extended periods last winter as a result of the high winds during Storm Arwen.
Whilst the long-term impact on forestry with fallen trees was the most visible and left substantial gaps in woodlands, the loss of electricity posed the most immediate impact in places.
One complaint raised in parts of southern Scotland was a lack of communication about when power would be restored, making it difficult for affected consumers to plan ahead, causing inconvenience and hardship.
No-one can doubt engineers' expertise and the challenges they face in extreme weather, but I welcome watchdog Ofgem securing assurances from the industry that they will improve systems and response, ensuring greater storm resilience.
Wrong call
It was disappointing to see Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon this week again devoting so much of her time, energy and taxpayers’ money in an attempt to split up the United Kingdom.
Launching a divisive campaign for separation, during such challenging times internationally, is simply ill-judged, reckless and deeply damaging to Scotland — as it would be at any time.