Improving area's trunk roads should be priority
I know many constituents share my view that improved transport links, plus better digital communications, are key to unlocking our economy's full potential.
That's why I believe the Scottish Government has short-changed the south of Scotland compared to other regions when it comes to infrastructure improvements.
New Scottish Transport Secretary Michael Matheson visited Dumfries and Galloway but has so far not made any firm commitment to move ahead with any significant capital projects.
In Stranraer and Wigtownshire, improvement work on the A75 and A77 must be a much higher priority.
There are understandable aspirations, and some justification, for a dual-carriageway the length of the A75, a vital link for our towns and villages and also for the Northern Ireland ferries.
However, realistically that would be extremely challenging in the short and medium term and the priority needs to be substantial investment in new by-passes, further passing sections with additional lanes and other improvements.
I will continue to press the Scottish Government to allocate more funding on our roads and urge as many local people as possible to take part in a survey, available online, which is currently being carried out on behalf of Transport Scotland.
The study, indicate Scottish Ministers, will help them decide a national transport strategy for the next 20 years. In my view Dumfries and Galloway deserves to be at the forefront of those discussions.
Improvements will only come about if there is a political will but I believe the more people who complete the survey from our area the better, as it will demonstrate the strength of feeling as well as raising awareness of particular Dumfries and Galloway issues.
These problems are not purely economical -- far too many people are being killed or injured on our trunk roads.
Anyone wishing to complete the survey can do so at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/South-West-Scotland-Transport-Study up to Friday November 16.
Festivals have a 'feelgood' factor
This year's 20th Wigtown Book Festival, which is in full swing, looks set to be another outstanding success with numerous events and many well-known visiting authors talking about their books.
Further west, a younger neighbour, the Stranraer Oyster Festival proved equally popular with local people and many visitors from across the UK and beyond.
More than half a tonne of oysters were consumed at the festival with many ticketed events sold out and businesses around the town reporting increased trade.
The community organisers have been supported by the local authority and other agencies in a partnership which can only do good in helping regenerate both economies.
By all accounts, the festivals have generated a 'feel good' factor, helping promote future tourism while being enjoyed by many local people and visitors alike.
My congratulations go to everyone who worked so hard all year round to make these festivals so special.
Decision looms on Waterfront
With vital decisions being taken in the next couple of months about the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal, I've been continuing to highlight in UK Government circles the importance of the Stranraer Waterfront project.
The development of the harbour area is strategically significant to the future of Stranraer and the wider region and I'm hopeful these facts are being taken on board during the decision-making process
