INCREASING choice and diversity are adding to southern Scotland’s impressive visitor appeal as the traditional Easter start to the holiday season approaches.
That was the positive assessment of Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale MP David Mundell as he championed the region during a recent House of Commons debate on UK tourism.
He suggested further efforts be made by the Scottish and UK Governments, and tourism organisations, to encourage more of the huge numbers of overseas visitors flocking to London each year to venture north to areas like his own constituency.
The MP challenged a negative opinion about the area put forward by writer Gabriella Bennett in an article in The Times on February 26. She stated that she would ‘not be rushing back to south-west Scotland’ and triggered a local backlash with the comment: “Once you get to Dumfries and Galloway and moon over the nature, there isn’t an awful lot left.”
Mr Mundell, who was contacted by concerned constituents, said he fully understood the annoyance in the region, not least from the tourism sector, he added: “The journalist appears not to have noted the numerous existing attractions or others being planned.”
Mr Mundell warmly welcomed news that initial plans for the 2027 Tour de France to begin in Edinburgh would potentially see an opening stage passing through his constituency, possibly including visiting Moffat and Dumfries.
This would fit in well with the area’s established mountain biking tourism and Dumfriesshire being the location where the bicycle was invented.
Mr Mundell said: “There is a plethora of distilleries, art galleries, delicatessens, cafés, restaurants, museums, outdoor activity centres, off-road cycle centres, castles, public gardens, National Trust for Scotland houses and sites, farm parks, children’s activity centres, history tours, guided art tours, golf courses, independent retailers, a planetarium and book and record shops — to name but a few.”
Mr Mundell also explained to his MP colleagues: “Each of our communities has something unique to offer, and we should not be disparaged for the fact that we are remote and rural, and that we luxuriate in our rurality, the scenery, the quietness and natural environment.
“However, Dumfries and Galloway has other features including the new £2 million destination spa at the Cairndale Hotel, Dumfries, which is already attracting national attention as one of the best spas in Scotland.”
Highlighting the region’s many heritage attractions, Mr Mundell said: “Ellisland Farm, near Dumfries, which I visited recently, has had a substantial investment being awarded of nearly £500,000. That iconic location, which is the former home of Robert Burns, played a crucial role in Scotland’s history and identity. It will be an immersive visitor experience.”
Other attractions he listed included the Grey Mare’s Tail waterfall, Moffat as both a dark sky and the eagle town, a major development at Annan Harbour, massive investment at Annandale Distillery, its sister attractions and iconic Gretna Green, the world-famous wedding venue.
After his Westminster speech, Mr Mundell said: “My constituency, and the west of Dumfries and Galloway region, have seen massive efforts and investment during the last two decades to enhance the visitor offering.
“Unfortunately, time can be limited during parliamentary debates, and it was impossible to list every attraction, but I feel it is important to spread the word that our area has so much to offer.
“There are numerous other gems, for example, the Devil’s Porridge Museum at Eastriggs, Theatre Royal in Dumfries, mountain biking, scenic walks, peel towers like Gilnockie, castles, wildlife and reserves, the world’s first Post Office at Sanquhar, Annan Museum, the Langholm Moor and Tarras Valley and John Buchan Museum at Peebles.
“The list seems endless, plus there are ambitious future projects such as the Star of Caledonia landmark near the border at Gretna Green at the planning stage.
“In addition, I know only too well from my 25 years as a local MSP and then MP, just how much effort goes into our many brilliant events, such as shows, festivals, galas and march-ridings, which are also appreciated by visitors.
“Our magnificent scenery, shoreline, rural environment and wildlife should be celebrated. However, as the recent negative national newspaper article illustrated, there is also a need to spread the good news about the diversity of our attractions.”
