DUMFRIESSHIRE MSP Oliver Mundell says he is “delighted and honoured” after being appointed the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy and Tourism.

The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP has been appointed as part of the team put together by new party leader Douglas Ross MP and takes over from fellow South of Scotland MSP Rachael Hamilton.  Mr Mundell says he is relishing the challenge and is promising to be a strong voice for rural communities across his constituency and beyond as well as highlighting the failures of the SNP Government to stand up for rural residents and businesses, during their 13 years in power.  He says that the tourism industry is absolutely vital for any economic recovery across the country and he will be liaising closely with stakeholders in order to find out how best to support them going forward.

Commenting, Oliver Mundell MSP said: “This is a hugely important time within Scottish politics, with less than nine months to go until next years election and my party being led by a fresh, new leader in the form of Douglas Ross.  “I am absolutely delighted and honoured to have been asked by Douglas to take on this key role of championing our rural economy and our vital tourism industry.  “Since my election in 2016, I have consistently stood up for our rural communities and the wider rural economy in Dumfriesshire and now I am relishing the challenge to do this right across Scotland.  “For too long under this SNP Government, the needs of the rural economy have been ignored and left behind.  “I want to hit the ground running and engage with vital stakeholders and highlight how the Scottish Conservatives will always stand up for them and have a positive vision and policies to help them going forward.  “The tourism industry is a vital part of that and as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic, we need bold and ambitious support from the SNP Government, rather than the lack of urgency we see now, and even more disgracefully talk of closing borders.  “I am looking forward to getting stuck into this critical role, both in Parliament and right round the country in the coming weeks and months.”