Clean fuel for future
It may have seemed an unlikely venue for an international motorsport event in the past but Upper Nithsdale proved an ideal setting at the weekend.
The rugged, although spectacularly scenic, partly man-made landscape at Glenmucklock, above Kirkconnel, demonstrated the qualities needed to successfully host two grand finals in the international Extreme E series.
On a visit as Secretary of State for Scotland, I was impressed by the scale, organisation and infrastructure required for what was a two-day international TV audience-focused event, involving the creation of a tented ‘village’ at the former open cast mine, which has only limited access routes.
With views of wind turbines on the horizon and well-advanced plans for the site to be used as a pumped storage hydro (PSH) power generating plant, I felt it appropriate that this relatively new innovative generation of motorsport is dedicated to being as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible.
Not only are the cars electric powered, they're charged on site from hydrogen fuel generated from water and solar energy through a unit used at the often remote off-grid venues where Extreme E championships are staged worldwide.
As someone enthusiastic about further development of hydrogen as a future mainstream clean fuel, I believe, as with space exploration, motorsport advances can also generate positive technology for much wider use.
I also welcome associated ‘legacy’ conservation and environmental work, including tree planting, being supported by Extreme E along the near-by River Nith.
With warm sunny weather on Saturday and dreich wet conditions 24 hours later, the contrasting challenges at Glenmucklock were, I’m assured, fully appreciated by the organisers and competitors and there was speculation a return visit to Upper Nithsdale had not been ruled out.
Big weekend
My wife Ann and I have fond memories of the Coronation weekend, which, in my Scotland Office role, included attending the service and ceremonies in Westminster Abbey and the concert in Windsor Castle gardens.
Both events were thoughtfully organised and choreographed and brought together a huge TV audience across the UK and far beyond.
I was pleased that a number of constituents joined the congregation in the Abbey and some were in the audience at Windsor Castle. With many celebratory events across the constituency, it was a national milestone not to be forgotten.
Good news
Another notable event took place this week when NHS Scotland formally lifted their guidelines on the extended use of face coverings in health and social care settings as part of efforts to restrict the spread of COVID-19.
The decision reflects high uptake of vaccines, availability of treatments and reduced severity of the illness and hospitalisations. Using coverings still remains an option but the decision is welcome news indeed.