UK-wide approach best way to cut drug deaths
Tragic consequences from drugs misuse are a concern in Wigtownshire and across much of the world.
Despite our rural setting too many local communities have been touched by the heartache of a drug-related death, including amongst younger people.
For a number of years Scotland’s record of deaths related to drug misuse has climbed alarmingly and is significantly higher than that in England, Wales and, proportionately, amongst the worst in Europe.
Despite having access to tools used across the UK to combat illegal drug problems, the SNP/Green Scottish Government, have, after many years at the helm, recently come up with proposals to decriminalise possession of drugs for personal use.
The Scottish Government has already tried a softer approach in controlling drugs and that clearly has not helped reduce deaths.
Sadly, this latest move has the hallmarks of SNP Ministers putting forward changes, not within their devolved powers, following a pattern of manufacturing grievances with the UK Government, designed to further their separation agenda.
The illegal drugs trade does not respect borders and a UK-wide approach at certain levels is sensible although the Scottish Government do already have some devolved responsibilities which could also make a significant difference.
I believe reducing drugs abuse must be treated as a high priority health issue, but decriminalising possession of drugs for personal use could, in my view, create more problems than it solves.
As I’ve stated before, the UK Government stand ready to work with the Scottish Government to find solutions. Every tragedy is one too many.
UK support helps fund Solway cockles' study
In many ways the Solway Firth is one of the most precious parts of the environment in this central part of the British Isles.
It was also a tidal estuary which provided work and a source of seafood along what remains an attractive and ever-changing stretch of coastline.
The cockle trade, which at its height saw an estimated 5000 tonnes a year harvested, would be worth more than £5m annually at current prices.
Understandably, back in 2009, the cockle fishery was closed primarily because of overfishing and protection, monitoring and management has been stepped up ever since.
It is important that the conservation of the Solway cockle beds is maintained and that ways of assuring the health and growth of stocks is continued in the future.
I’m pleased that the UK Government has awarded £288,972 to help fund two full stock surveys, this year and next, covering from the inner Solway to Wigtown Bay.
An independent company, SeaScope Fisheries Research Ltd, in partnership with the Fruits of the Sea organisation, University of Glasgow and Marine Scotland Science will take part in the project.
The results will be used to identify high-density cockle beds and areas with a lower population so relaying excess stocks in the low-density beds can be trialled.
University students will also investigate the effects of weather, environmental influences, sediments and topography on the health of cockle stocks.
The findings could potentially lead to further cockle stock improvement in the Solway and internationally.
This UK support locally in this particular case, although small in national terms, is just one example of numerous ways in which the UK and Scottish Governments work together on a daily basis, a fact which is rarely highlighted in political and news agendas.
Forum gives young people say on economic planning
Young people are key to the future, and it is important they have a say in shaping our region.
That’s why I welcome the decision by South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE) to create a Youth Advisory Forum to provide a young person’s viewpoint on the best way of developing the local economy.
Whilst there can be a natural attraction for some young people to move to the large cities to develop their careers, it is also important that as many as possible have the opportunity to live and work within their home area.
The enterprise agency is inviting applications from young people, aged between 16 and 25, who are resident in Dumfries and Galloway and neighbouring Scottish Borders, to be considered for membership of the forum.
Their views will help the organisation better understand the economic issues that are most impacting on the lives of young people and look at what options could best improve prospects.
Forum members will be signed up for a two-year period, as part of the SOSE Youth Programmes section, and will be asked their views on a wide range of topics affecting the economy and future development.
They will, I’m told, be given appropriate training and also have the opportunity to gain a relevant qualification as well as making valuable contacts which could aid their own career development.
I encourage younger Free Press readers to visit the youth advisory section on the SOSE website for full details on how to apply before the August 21 deadline.
Spreading the word on south-west attractions
Despite all the rain of late it has been encouraging to see so many visitors out and about in Dumfries and Galloway during the last few weeks.
That may be due to a renewed enthusiasm for staycations, but it is almost certainly a greater awareness of what our region has to offer.
A glance through the tourism listings shows a wide range of places to stay from cottage retreats and lets to B&Bs and hotels, most with a wide range of facilities, landscapes and coastline close by.
I was particularly impressed when I looked through the nominations for the forthcoming South of Scotland Thistle Awards.
Amongst many impressive destinations and events in contention are Stranraer Oyster Festival, the Gather eating place at Gatehouse of Fleet, Kitchen Coos and Ewes, Newton Stewart and the Newton Stewart and Minnigaff Traditional Music and Dance Festival.
From the Doonhame Festival across at Dumfries last weekend to the forthcoming Wigtown Book Festival and Stranraer Oyster Festival here in the west there has been and is much on offer.
There are high hopes, largely through the efforts of Stranraer Water Sports Association, of Stranraer and Loch Ryan edging towards becoming a centre of excellence for marine leisure, which fits in with wider local regeneration plans and aspirations.
I was particularly pleased to see Stranaer chosen to host a national windsurfing championship next month, which will further promote the area’s potential.
Achieving right balance in keeping Galloway bonnie
The level of opposition in parts of my constituency to SP Energy Networks’ plans for a new Glenlee-Tongland overhead power line section was not surprising, and I welcomed past opportunities to raise the issue on behalf of constituents.
One of Galloway’s key strengths is our scenic beauty which is appreciated by residents and will hopefully attract an increasing number of visitors in the years to come.
I fully understand the need for a robust and reliable power grid in an era when there will be increasing demands for electricity and energy sources are more dispersed around the country.
The case is now with the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division, and I certainly hope that a fair solution, at very least minimising intrusion to the landscape, will prove an eventual outcome.
Solway coast naval pioneer remembered on anniversary
It is good to see Dumfries and Galloway’s link with one of the most famous and determined figures in naval history continues to be highlighted to local people and visitors.
A party was put on to mark the birthday on July 6 of John Paul Jones — widely acknowledged as a founding father of the US Navy — at the cottage where he was born at Arbigland, near Kirkbean, in 1747.
The draw of the sea was perhaps understandable considering the Solway Coast location of the notorious naval adventurer’s home parish where the cottage is a museum dedicated to his life.
His packed, eventful and sometimes controversial career not only involved leading the fledgling American revolutionary navel fleet but, in contrast, later included service as a commander in the then Russian Imperial Navy.
The museum remains open daily until October 31.
‘Show’ing the way during busy period in south-west
With peak agricultural show season underway with Stranraer yesterday, Stewartry on Saturday and Wigtown next Wednesday — closely followed by Dumfries (and Lockerbie) — I’d like to praise all the hard-working committee members and volunteers who make these important events possible.
In an age when technology means many making their living on farms can spend much of their working time alone, the social side of these events has never been more important.
Shows also provide a shop window for livestock and the many businesses which serve our rural areas, but for most visitors are purely enjoyed as a good day out!
Finally, may I also offer my congratulations to charity fund-raising stalwart Mavis Paterson, affectionately known as ‘Granny Mave,’ on her role as Community Champion at Stranraer Scottish Week currently underway. A very good choice.