Good advice helps combat Covid-19
A recent Covid-19 cluster in the Dumfries area was a reminder that we must remain vigilant in reducing the virus spread.
In my own personal experience with coronavirus in the spring I managed to recover within a week but I know of many who have had a dreadful much longer illness which left them truly drained.
Sadly, as statistics show, some older people and others with underlying health conditions tragically did not survive coronavirus.
I would, therefore, urge readers to continue to follow the latest official guidelines and limit any further spread.
I'm pleased to see so many people downloading the NHS Scotland contact tracing app to their smartphones and would encourage all those with that technology to do so.
Small efforts by individuals help to slow the spread of Covid-19 and benefit the whole community.
A75 upgrade overdue
I'm fully behind the 'dual the A75' campaign also supported by my Conservative MP and MSP colleagues in the region.
As the UK eventually emerges from the Covid-19 crisis, the importance of good infrastructure to help grow the economy will rarely have been so important.
The Gretna to Stranraer route is strategically vital to south-west Scotland and to the country.
Four years after the SNP Scottish Government held a transport summit in Dumfries, it is time the upgrading of this vital road moves ahead.
Worth a visit
Both agriculture and tourism are at the heart of the Dumfries and Galloway economy.
Like most sectors they have suffered a great deal in the global pandemic but I'm hopeful, with the right support, prospects will improve.
During recent visits I've been impressed at the quality of our rural attractions including the Ernespie Farm Centre at Castle Douglas and the Cocoabean complex at Twynholm.
As restrictions further ease, they will become even more important and are certainly worth a visit.