Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited Dumfries and Galloway today and announced five key pledges for the South of Scotland, which include a £6m funding commitment to Stranraer Waterfront and further improvements to the A75 and A77, calling the package “an ambitious action plan for the South”.
Speaking following the announcement, Aileen Mcleod SNP Candidate for Galloway & West Dumfries who warmly welcomed the announcement said:
“Today’s announcement of an ambitious action plan for the South, and for Galloway & West Dumfries in particular, is very welcome indeed and a clear demonstration of the SNP’s commitment to this region.
“The commitment of £6 million to support the regeneration of Stranraer Waterfront is a crucial step in taking forward the regeneration masterplan, creating jobs and boosting the local economy. I also warmly welcome the commitment to lower rail fares on the Stranraer rail line and future improvements to the A77 and A75, which are crucial transport links for our region.
“We are also committed to wider development, with the commitment to a Rural Housing Fund and piloting rural development and infrastructure plans. We will also invest in flood protection plans, give coastal communities full control over Crown Estate revenues and promote the South as the fantastic tourist destination we all know it to be.
“To boost Dumfries’s status as the regional capital and grow its economy we will also improve the links between the town and the M74.
“Taken as a whole, this is a fantastic package for the South of Scotland which I am confident will make a massive different to this region over the next five years. We’re serious in our ambitions for the South West of Scotland – but only by casting both votes for the SNP on 5th May can we ensure these are delivered in full.”
