I believe that the absence of a reliable and strategic link between Dumfries town and the M74 Motorway is holding back our local economy and is the main reason we have struggled to attract inward private investment into our region. Having spoken to thousands of local people on the doorstep, I am strongly of the view that developing and upgrading the A75 is the best option moving forward.

On the 18th of September 2014 the people of Scotland voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. The outcome was decisive and here in Dumfries and Galloway we saw one of the highest No votes in Scotland.

I believe that decisions about our police service and resources should be taken locally. Not by the Scottish Government or Police Scotland.

A good public transport network is essential here in Dumfriesshire.

Like many people living locally, I have grown tired of watching the Scottish Government ignore the needs and concerns of our communities.