Clean sweep for Olympic teams
I could not start this month’s Free Press column in any other way than to warmly congratulate our talented local curlers on their medals triumph at the Winter Olympics in China.
Stranraer’s Vicky Wright in the fantastic gold medal-winning Team GB women’s team and Hammy McMillan and Bobby Lammie in the brilliant silver men’s line-up have all done Wigtownshire, Scotland and the whole UK proud.
Also helping put the wider region on the map in skip Bruce Mouat’s side were curlers Grant Hardie from Kirkgunzeon and Ross Whyte, Dumfries. Great credit is also due to coach David Murdoch, also a native of Dumfries and Galloway and no stranger to Stranraer.
The international TV exposure for the sport and the inspiring achievement of our local exponents will, in my opinion, help encourage a new generation to become involved in this very Scottish sport.
Curling became popular in our largely rural part of the country through small community clubs whose members took to local ponds and lochs in icy winter weather whilst today, in what currently seems to be milder times, we are indeed fortunate to have three indoor ice rinks in the region at Stranraer, Dumfries and Lockerbie.
I’m sure these excellent facilities will be an even greater sporting asset in the winters to come.
Local search for valuable metals
I’ve had a great deal of correspondence in recent weeks about the prospect of a revival of mining for high-grade and valuable metals in the Galloway Hills.
Geological survey work to identify any viable reserves of zinc, lead, nickel, silver and gold is being carried out by JDH Exploration, which holds prospecting licences covering around 500 square kilometres.
It is still early days but the company’s experts have been recently using options awarded by Crown Estates Scotland, which is now an arms length agency of the Scottish Government, to carry out research in the Blackcraig area, near Newton Stewart.
There was lead mining in the same area during the 18th century but I understand JDH, which has been drilling to retrieve mineral samples, are particularly seeking UK sources for metals which will contribute towards the drive for a net-zero economy by 2050.
The latest survey has produced a mixed response from local residents.
Some understandably wish to obtain further information about any prospects for jobs and economic growth through mining whilst others are deeply concerned about any potential adverse impact on the area’s landscape and environment.
I know the company have held meetings and liased with community councils but I firmly believe they should make additional efforts to engage with more local people and keep them up-to-date with developements, detailing exactly what would be involved should modern mining become a distinct possibility.
It is also important that local people take every opportunity to make their views known, individually or in special groups that have been formed.
Whatever the outcome of the surveys, protecting Dumfries and Galloway’s delicate and vitally important biodiversity and breathtaking scenery must be a priority.
Flying the flag for Freeports
I was naturally pleased that agreement has finally been reached between the UK Government and the devolved Scottish administration for two Freeports to be selected north of the border.
The SNP-Green coalition at Holyrood envisage a model that differs slightly from that in other parts of the UK but I feel it could also provide significant opportunities for economic growth at the successful locations.
Freeport status means operators and businesses within a defined zone should benefit from a range of tax, tariff and other incentives, which attract inward investment, prosperity, regeneration and jobs.
There are expected to be a significant number of contenders across Scotland for Freeport status but, as local MP, I certainly believe, should it be chosen, the Cairnryan and Stranraer area would be a worthy choice.
Freeports are a key part of the UK Government’s levelling up strategy and I look forward to working with the Scottish Government in taking this innovative initiative forward. The geographical area covered by the special status can extend up to 45 km beyond port entry points.
Dumfries and Galloway Council are, I understand, already doing the groundwork in a bid for the Cairnryan and Stranraer area to be considered as one of the Freeports.
Worrying period for Ukrainian-link families
During the current tensions caused by a massive Russian military build-up on the borders of Ukraine and growing fears of an invasion, my thoughts have been on constituents with family connections with the eastern European state.
The south-west Scotland families are largely descended from displaced Ukrainians who, caught up in the turmoil of World War Two, later found themselves interned at a Dumfriesshire PoW camp.
With their homeland occupied by Soviet troops after the war, and unable to return because their lives were at risk, a significant number of Ukrainians settled across the region, many marrying and raising families here.
Despite the passage of time, subsequent generations take a pride in their heritage, language and culture and are understandably deeply worried about family and friends in Ukraine.
I'm pleased the UK Government continues to offer practical and other support to the Ukrainian Government and perhaps some from Wigtownshire with links to the country may wish to join a 'Prayers for Ukraine' service at the Ukrainian Chapel at Hallmuir, near Lockerbie at 1 pm on Sunday March 13.
Progress on landmark building development
Plans for a cultural centre to be developed within the shell of the B-listed George Hotel in Stranraer appear an impressive, if ambitious, solution.
Owners Dumfries and Galloway Council are understandably keen to find a viable use for this once landmark building in the town centre which they acquired in 2017.
With delisting and complete demolition to allow a 'clean sheet' replacement development apparently not considered an option, the local authority are right to explore every other possibility.
In the current financial climate, with council tax due to rise by three per cent and other costs increasing, delivering a state-of-the-art cultural centre on the site seems, at the very least, a substantial challenge.
I wish the council and anyone else helping achieve a future for this building every success.
Welcome return for summertime events
I'm sure in this year of The Queen's Platinum Jubilee many will share my delight that many of our large local events and celebrations look set to return in their normal form this summer after a two-year gap. They were greatly missed.