Investing in town’s future
When first elected as a local MP one of my priorities was launching a survey on what Dumfries residents would like to see in order to improve the town centre.
I was impressed by the high number of imaginative ideas put forward by constituents and shared details with the council.
The consensus was that the town centre must be viable but attractive with more areas to socialise, re-purposed empty buildings for business and residential use, increased vehicle access plus encouragement for niche retail ventures.
There are no easy fixes but I believe some progress has been achieved and along with the local authority credit is deserved by various local groups including the Midsteeple Quarter project team.
My firm hope is that the £20million phased investment from UK Government levelling-up funds destined for Dumfries over the next 10 years will accelerate this vital regeneration.
Wrong priority
It was disappointing Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf, no doubt bowing to pressure within the SNP, is attempting to convert the next general election into a proxy independence referendum.
Seeking permission to add ‘independence for Scotland’ to the party name on ballot papers in the Westminster vote, highlights the SNP’s desperate, divisive and damaging obsession with splitting from the rest of the UK, our largest market.
SNP-Green Ministers at Holyrood should stop squandering time and public money on their self-serving separation agenda and focus instead on their devolved responsibilities, such as transport (including ferries), NHS, education and encouraging economic growth.
In my experience, few in our region want a return to the division and uncertainty created by the last independence referendum.
Buy a poppy
Tragic events unfolding in the Middle East show just how important having strong, well-trained and equipped armed forces are to the defence of the UK and our allies.
They are also a reminder of the tremendous contribution by generations of servicemen and women in serving our country in past conflicts and operations, some making the ultimate sacrifice.
That’s why it was a privilege as Scottish Secretary to host a launch event at Westminster on Monday evening for the start of the annual Poppyscotland appeal in the run-up to Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday.
Along with Helen Owen, chairwoman of the charity, I highlighted the important support provided all year to ex-service people and their families and how vital buying a poppy remains.