SNP trying to block major boost to area's economy
Transport infrastructure investment will be key to achieving the more vibrant and prosperous economy so many people hope for in the west of Dumfries and Galloway.
I've made no secret in Free Press columns of my enthusiasm for an upgrade of the A75 and A77 together with feasibility studies into building a direct Stranraer - Dumfries railway and, most ambitious of all, a tunnel / bridge connecting us with Northern Ireland.
I concede that when these latest proposals were first mooted a number of my Wigtownshire constituents did express, shall I say, an element of scepticism.
This was partly because of inaction by the SNP Scottish Government, who have devolved responsibility for trunk roads.
Despite ministerial visits over many years, including a Dumfries transport summit at one point, the devolved adminstration failed to deliver any substantial road improvements in our region.
In contrast, there has been massive infrastructure investment in the Central Belt and elsewhere further north.
Now, as we leave the European Union and plan for the UK's economic revival after the Covid-19 crisis, the UK Government sees investment in strategic infrastructure projects that improve transport and other connectivity amongst the four home nations as a top priority.
That's why the Prime Minister recently announced that Sir Peter Hendy, chairman of Network Rail, will lead the Union Connectivity Review which is expected to make key recommendations next summer.
I had hoped that rather than focus on their obsessive independence agenda that SNP ministers would work with the UK Government to progress this important review as swiftly and effectively as possible. After all it could lead to major investment north of the border.
Unfortunately I was disappointed, but perhaps not surprised, that SNP politicians at Holyrood have attempted to block progress with the research.
I was informed last week that Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Transport Michael Matheson has instructed officials from Transport Scotland not to engage with the review.
In my view, this is a slap in the face to all my constituents who want to see the UK and Scottish Governments to work together to deliver meaningful investment in vital infrastructure in our region.
The additional Westminster funding of projects strengthening the UK single market is potentially extremely good news for Dumfries and Galloway with obvious opportunities to create employment and economic growth in the short and long term.
It is part of a process where funding priorities previously decided by the EU in Brussels are now being set closer to home.
The SNP must stop playing politics and recognise that the review has the potential to bring significant improvements to Dumfries and Galloway and all of Scotland.
Extra UK funds on way to ease Covid impact
Sadly recent weeks have brought an increase in Covid-19 across the country and to our own region.
Whilst Dumfries and Galloway remains one of the lesser impacted areas we have seen disturbing clusters in both school and care home settings which highlight how this virus can impact on all ages.
New restrictions have been introduced, particularly affecting the hospitality sector, and are more stringent in regions with more cases.
I was pleased that the Chancellor has confirmed a further £700 million will be coming to Scotland from the UK Government to help deal with consequences of the pandemic north of the border.
That takes the total so far awarded to Scotland through Barnet Formula crisis funding to a staggering £7.2 billion.
A UK-wide new Job Support Support Scheme has also been announced to assist businesses badly impacted by Covid-19.
Once again, I'd like to take this opportunity in this column to extend my thanks to all the local medical, care, emergency and other key workers for their ongoing efforts to get our communities through the crisis. They have never let down their guard.
With the virus likely to be with us for some time I would continue to remind readers to continue observing the latest official advice on masks and social distancing and help safeguard our most vulnerable citizens
Good value local news
I'm delighted to see the Stranraer and Wigtownshire Free Press is back in print again after its five-month absence.
It has been part of life in the west of the region since 1843 and like our much-needed town centres quietly plays a vital role in helping pull the community together.
I enjoy reading local newspapers, which, like town centres, are under great commercial pressure just now because of Covid-19 and the growth of the internet economy.
I'm sure many will agree that a well-presented and colourful local newspaper, available at a regular time each week, has some distinct selling points.
They are a physical mirror of the community they serve -- a reliable and verified source of relevant news, information and pictures -- and, importantly in my opinion, they are relaxing to read, portable and easy to refer back to when time allows.
My constituency is well-served by all platforms of local media, including online, and, in the case of newspapers with their often higher production and journalism costs, they are partly funded by us simply buying a copy each week or by individuals, businesses and other organisations buying advertising space.
I, for one, believe the Free Press is £1 well spent!
Honour well deserved
My warmest congratulations go to Mairi Ann McIntyre for her well-deserved honour in the Queen's delayed Birthday Honours List.
Mairi received her BEM for her services to the community in her home town of Stranraer and amongst the wider Wigtownshire community.
It was good to see such a varied cross-section of recipients from many walks of life in the latest list, including many who have gone above and beyond in the response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Welcoming Leo John
Finally, I would also like to offer my congratulations to my MSP colleague Finlay Carson and his fiancee Cllr Jackie McCamon on the birth of their second child Leo John, who will be a brother for Rowan. Good news, indeed.