Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell took part in a Scottish Government debate which celebrated Scotland’s history, heritage and archaeology.
And in his speech he highlighted the vast array of history in Dumfries and Galloway.
Langholm Common Riding, Thomas Telford, the Devil’s Porridge and Caerlaverock Castle were just some of the areas he highlighted.
Mr Mundell said: “From the Covenanters to world war commanders, from the great Border reivers to our poets, from kings to simple country folk living life as they have always done, our heritage is in abundance.
“We have Lochmaben castle, which is linked to Robert the Bruce, and, of course Caerlaverock castle on the Solway estuary—or riviera—near Dumfries, which has not only become a monument to our past but is a great site for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.”
And he called on the Scottish Government to do all they can to encourage tourism in the region: “We cannot afford to be complacent, and on a more substantive point I encourage ministers and the Scottish Government to do all that they can to ensure that our tourist industry is as well supported as possible and to help to ensure that we have the right mix of skills.”
