Showing best of rural Scotland and much more
It was great to get out and about at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston last Thursday and to meet many members of the farming and wider rural community from Wigtownshire.
As well as spending time at the UK Government marquee in my Secretary of State role, I had the opportunity to host a reception with the Scotch Whisky Association and highlight the importance of the industry nationally and, of course, here in south-west Scotland.
The show is not only a shop window for the agriculture and food industry, the four-day event attracts around 190,000 people, generating an estimated £39 million for the Scottish economy in the process.
A fine display of livestock, including a good representation from our region, was complemented by a fantastic range of exhibits covering areas such as education, research, artificial intelligence, part of the amazing Burrell Art Collection and, more locally, a display showcasing the Whithorn ReBuild project and how it is helping young adults develop traditional construction skills.
On hand to answer questions at the UK Government marquee were staff from the Department for Work & Pensions; HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, which was highlighting the Shared Rural Network and Building Digital UK programmes.
Displays with a coastal theme coming under a UK umbrella featured were the Northern Lighthouse Board -- responsible for warning of hazards to shipping surrounding Scotland and the Isle of Man -- and HM Maritime & Coastguard Agency, which is active with units along the Dumfries and Galloway coast.
A lesser-known scheme with a levelling up theme attracted a lot of interest at the UK Government marquee. Places for Growth is a commitment to complete a phased transfer of 22,000 roles out of London by 2030. Visitors were able to learn more about grant support and future opportunities created within the civil service.
Now, with the Royal Highland Show over for another year, it is time to look forward to the large and smaller agricultural shows coming up across the constituency, including Stranraer on Wednesday July 26 and Wigtown on Wednesday August 2.
Splitting Union?
Many constituents were surprised that in the midst of current financial challenges, largely due to Covid and the war in Ukraine, SNP-Green Scottish Ministers continue to spend tax-payers’ money and civil service time on an endless quest to break up the UK.
First Minister Humza Yousaf recently allocated time and resources to launch the latest in a series of official prospectus papers on separation, which this time was focused on proposals to create a written constitution, perhaps holding a referendum on ending the monarchy.
Whilst the SNP leader lists many aspirations and pledges for an independent Scotland, there was little detail on how the country would remain competitive in terms of outside investment, taxation, currency, maintaining public services, pensions and benefits whilst becoming a competitor of what would be a much larger economy and tax revenue pool in the remaining UK.
No doubt Mr Yousaf faces political pressure to raise expectations for what is his party’s core cause, but certainly, here in Galloway, I find sound judgement prevails with most local people fully aware of the strong case for Scotland remaining a vibrant and integral part of the UK and the folly of putting up a barrier with our nearest neighbour, representing, by far, our largest market.
Indeed, in Wigtownshire and across southern Scotland, many of our social, cultural, business and working lives are inter-linked with northern England, illustrating the shared values with our near neighbours.
The Scottish Government’s top priority should be focusing fully on devolved issues such as improving the struggling NHS, strengthening the economy, repairing education and encouraging better community links with the present national police force.
Survey deadline
I would like to commend the excellent work being carried out on the ground to take forward Stranraer’s Place Plan bid for Borderlands Growth Deal funding.
The effort is being carefully co-ordinated by the team at Stranraer Development Trust, who are encouraging local people to take part in a survey they are running to rank in order of preference six major projects being putting forward.
Priority schemes in contention include the East Pier Events Space; Dick’s Hill Well-being Hub; Sanctuary Outdoor Nursery; The Big Makeover; Revive Town Centre Living and Wet Weather Escapes.
Demonstrating effective consultation with the community and showing the public’s priorities will all help Stranraer’s case during the selection process.
The excellent projects put forward from the town have a combined value of £5million and even, if successful, may not be awarded the full amount so it is important to assess the level of support for each project.
Barbara Chalmers, the Project Manager at the Trust, tells me she has now received several hundred survey forms back but is keen to significantly increase the current total further.
Anyone wishing to complete the survey can still do so online until midnight tomorrow (Friday) at https://stranraer.citizenspace.com/sdt/rank-place-plan-priorities/consultation/intro/ or can obtain forms from Barbara at the Trust office at Clock Tower, Market Street, Stranraer, DG9 7RF.
The Place Programme, jointly funded by the UK and Scottish Governments through the Borderlands Growth Deal, is a 10-year scheme and offers local people a say in shaping their home town’s future and game-changing support for selected projects.
Five local authorities, including Dumfries and Galloway Council, are represented on the partnership board, which covers a coast-to-coast area at the geographical heart of the UK.
Protect our forests
With natural assets such as the Galloway Forest Park at the heart of the constituency, and many other woodland areas much appreciated by local people and visitors, it is important we manage and protect them as best we can.
That’s why, despite rain at times this week, I’m very conscious of the risk of wildfires during frequently dry and warm summer weather and I fully concur with the many official warnings currently in place.
As has been demonstrated at various locations around the UK and beyond, these devastating outbreaks can swiftly spread across vast areas putting people, homes, forests and wildlife at risk and have the potential to tarnish landscapes for years to come.
It seems sound advice to make any visits to our often tinder-dry forests and other vulnerable areas such as moorland flame-free at this time of year by avoiding campfires, barbecues or even smoking a cigarette as a single spark can lead to dreadful consequences.
Let’s keep Wigtownshire and the rest of our scenic region safe.
Better road links
It was interesting to see earlier this month, but certainly not a surprise, when a recent test of public opinion in south-west Scotland confirmed a clear appetite for improvements to the busy A75 and A77.
The poll was published by the SW Transport Alliance and took soundings in our region and south and east Ayrshire indicating 93 per cent of respondents wanted full or partial upgrades of the twin routes.
Alliance members significantly include major employers such as Stena Line, Belfast Harbour and P&O Ferries, who are lobbying along with local authorities and other interested parties to have plans moved forward.
Safety, economic growth and tourism are areas, according to the study, which would be improved if meaningful improvements were progressed.
This is exactly the view shared with me by constituents and something I’ve lobbied for with Westminster colleagues and the Scottish Government, which has devolved responsibility for many areas of transport north off the border.
I do feel we are now in a better place in terms of taking projects forward with UK Government funding a detailed feasibility study and working closely at official level with Scottish Government agency Transport Scotland.
It is important that momentum is maintained so work on the ground can get underway sooner rather than later. A lot may rest on there being flexibility in the relationship between SNP Ministers at Holyrood and their Green Party partners, who are particularly hostile to new road projects.
I will continue to monitor the situation closely.
Marvellous Mavis
I could not complete this week’s Free Press column without mentioning the latest adventure and achievement of Wigtownshire grandmother Mavis Patterson.
During my years as local MP details of ‘Granny Mave’s’ latest fundraising efforts for Macmillan Cancer Support have occasionally crossed my desk, drawn to my attention by constituents inspired by her tremendous spirit, energy and kindness.
As regular readers will already be aware, Mavis has raised more than £155,000 for the charity over the last 20 years, a remarkable effort. Now aged 85, her most recent 1000 mile trip was dedicated to the memory of her three children, who sadly passed away in their forties within four years of each other.
Not only has she cycled across Canada and America, more than four years ago gained recognition in the Guinness World Records as the oldest ever woman to cycle from Land’s End to John’O Groats – a most impressive feet.
Her other activities have included abseiling, successfully climbing Kilimanjaro and completing a 24-hour cycle ride.
Mavis, who lives at Auchenmalg, is a true inspiration demonstrating that age does not need to be a barrier to ambitious challenges, particularly for good causes, which can, in fact, be a positive tribute in the face of personal loss.
Birthday parade
It was excellent to recently welcome guests from across Scotland to Dover House, the Whitehall base of the Scotland Office.
They were able to watch the Trooping of the Colour from a balcony overlooking Horse Guards Parade.
The annual event celebrating His Majesty the King’s official birthday was greatly appreciated and included 1400 parading soldiers, 200 horses and 400 musicians.
It was a spectacle never to be forgotten.