Residents and visitors in south-west Scotland are being urged to enjoy a discounted meal at one of the many quality eateries in the region.
That was the message from Dumfries and Galloway MP Alister Jack as the UK Government launched its much anticipated Eat Out to Help Out scheme.
It aims to fuel recovery in the area's restaurants, cafe and bars sector and help secure jobs as the country emerges from Covid-19 lockdown.
Participating businesses, who are refunded by the UK Government, offer up to 50 per cent off bills up to a maximum discount per person of £10.
Mr Jack, who is also Scottish Secretary, was delighted with the high level of engagement within the hospitality sector in his constituency since the initiative began on Monday.
He said: "We are fortunate to have the range and quality of eating places we have right across the constituency from Dumfries to Stranraer and many are taking part.
"The discounts will continue through August and cover the Monday to Wednesday period and hopefully encourage former and new diners to come back again in the future.
"I know much effort has gone into making local cafes, restaurants and bars safe with measures such as social distancing and I'd encourage constituents to take advantage of this pioneering opportunity."
Mr Jack added that once registered he understood most participant businesses locally had soon overcome any teething problems and swiftly got into the way of the scheme.