An inspiration
I fully concur with wonderful comments I've heard in recent days from many of my constituents praising our frontline health and care workers.
The unfolding pandemic has been like a disturbing roller-coaster and for those dedicated to looking after patients experiencing life-threatening complications the challenges are immense.
In our region, where we have some excellent facilities, already intense pressure on staff has become even greater since the January surge of the new variant coronavirus began.
As teams come off-shift tonight in our NHS and other facilities and others pick up the baton, there will naturally be a deep reservoir of compassion accompanied by understandable fatigue.
I believe I speak for all Dumfries Courier readers in publicly highlighting how much the ongoing contribution of those combating covid in many different ways is appreciated.
Fishing support
Fishing in its different forms has long been a feature of our coastal region.
And the significant change brought about through Brexit has inevitably caused disruption to fresh fish exports.
This was due to a period of major adjustment with new procedures and checks coinciding with the impact of a global pandemic.
Taking fuller control of our own waters will bring long-term opportunities.
But I welcome the UK Government decision to offer up to £23 million support to help the fishing industry achieve sustainable solutions to the current unique set of circumstances.
Vital route
It was good to have a further chat the other day with Sir Peter Hendy, who is heading the Union Connectivity Review into the UK's future strategic transport needs.
He knows his subject well as you would expect from a chairman of Network Rail, who has much additional experience of global projects.
Sir Peter's report will be independent and objective and I felt it was essential he was fully briefed on the importance of the A75 locally, nationally and internationally.
It will be interesting to read an interim assessment of his views in a report due to be completed soon.
Closure plan
Whilst Georgetown is part of Dumfries, it is very much a community in its own right.
That's why I was concerned to learn the Post Office in the SPAR shop is set to close following a policy change by the owners.
I'm contacting the Post Office on behalf of customers and will stress to them the importance of providing a suitable alternative.