Campus pupils' education top priority
The latest problems in a Dumfries and Galloway Council project -- injuries sustained within the new North West Community Campus at Dumfries -- are rightly being investigated.
Parents, pupils and staff members need to be reassured that, when the site comes back into use, it has been fully scrutinised and provides a safe learning and working environment.
Any flaws in the checking procedure, which might have allowed, in effect, a not fully completed building to come into use, must be publicly explained and lessons learned.
From my conversations with parents, it is clear that one of their prime concerns is to ensure as much continuity as possible in the pupils' education.
It is vital that disruption to the studies of pupils currently in temporary alternative accommodation is kept to a minimum.
Blooming good effort
One aspect of life in Dumfries and Galloway that brightens up our lives is the fantastic gardens and floral displays.
That's why I'm delighted that three prizes in the latest Beautiful Scotland awards have come to the area.
Congratulations to everyone who contributed to Dumfries winning the Large Town Category, including the People's Project volunteers, and the Brighten up Kirkconnel group who won a Silver Gilt Award.
Well done also Dumfries and Galloway Council grounds officers who were awarded a Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society medal for vibrant displays of bedding plants placed around the region to celebrate local and national events.
Biker Buddies
I was delighted to be invited to the opening this month of the Biker Buddies' Bike Barn in Friars Vennel, Dumfries.
The project has been driven forward by the existing Buddies charity in the town and has received funding and support from a number of sources.
Described as an inclusive cycle station, it provides an affordable bike hire service for people of all ages, able-bodied and with special needs, as well as assisting with training, safety and generally promoting the benefits of cycling in the area.
I wish all involved with the project every success going forward.
