Ferries vital
I was encouraged to see that Stena Line are considering massive investment to modernise their fleet and shore facilities as part of a long-term strategy for the Cairnryan / Belfast route.
The local proposals, estimated to cost as much as £500 million, would help achieve ambitious green targets to modernise the company’s Europe-wide operations and ships for a new more environmentally sustainable era.
Crucially, but not surprisingly, the plans for our region would need to go hand-in-hand with public investment to upgrade the A75 from Gretna to Stranraer and the A77 from the north to Cairnryan / Stranraer.
Whilst, realistically, in the current economic climate, a dual carriageway along the length of these routes could not be delivered in the shorter term, I continue to press for work such as by-passes to proceed as soon as possible.
Our ferry links are vital to the region’s economy and I naturally support long-standing UK efforts to protect them and advance road improvements which, significantly, require full engagement of the Scottish Government.
United tribute
There was a special poignancy at the many ceremonies on Remembrance Sunday and earlier on Armistice Day.
These rightly put the national focus on servicemen and women, who through generations have gone above and beyond, many paying the ultimate sacrifice in defence of our country and freedoms.
The tragic events in Ukraine, which have brought the unwelcome return of warfare to Europe, were clearly on the minds of many attending memorials and church services.
I felt privileged to have the opportunity, on behalf of all my constituents, to lay a wreath at Dumfries War Memorial on Sunday.
From cadet forces and other local organisations to emergency services and our magnificent veterans: all generations came together in a common expression of appreciation.