Rail boost
I’ve been impressed over a number of years by the care and attention put in, often by volunteers, to keep Dumfries railway station looking at its best.
Indeed, the well-kept gardens, which greet visitors and bid a fond farewell to travellers setting off, have been widely praised and won awards in the past.
However, I know from constituents with mobility issues and parents with prams that using the near-by road bridge to reach platform two can be challenging, particularly in adverse weather and when rushing to catch a train.
That’s why I’m delighted Network Rail are pushing ahead with plans for a user-friendly new bridge between the platforms, complete with lift system, supported by the UK Government Access for All scheme.
The proposed designs fit in with the attractive Victorian listed building’s architecture and were on display at a drop-in session in the town this week.
All being well, work could begin on site later this year and hopefully be completed in time for summer 2024.
Blaze alert
With natural assets such as the Galloway Forest Park at the heart of my constituency, and many other woodland areas much appreciated by local people and visitors, it is important we manage and protect them as best we can.
That’s why I’m very conscious of the ever-present risk of wildfires during the current extended hot spell and fully concur with the many official warnings in place.
As has been demonstrated at various locations around the UK and beyond, these devastating outbreaks can swiftly spread across vast areas putting people, homes, forests and wildlife at risk and have the potential to tarnish landscapes for years to come.
It seems sound advice to make any visits to our tinder-dry forests and other vulnerable areas such as moorland flame-free by avoiding campfires, barbecues or even smoking a cigarette as a single spark can lead to dreadful consequences.
Let’s keep our scenic south-west safe.
Big days
My best wishes go to all the volunteers who work, largely behind the scenes, to make our summer celebrations a great success.
With a reasonable weather outlook for this Saturday, I feel sure the crowds will be out and about in Dumfries to enjoy the 91st Guid Nychburris Festival and I take this opportunity to wish Cornet Robert Wyllie and Cornet’s Lass Ellie McKean and all other participants a happy and memorable day.
Such events not only bring to life our region’s colourful history and heritage, they enhance the already strong community spirit.