Depopulation calls by candidate

ACTION is being called for to stop the depopulation of Dumfries and Galloway. The Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for the South of Scotland, Duncan Dunlop, has set out a list of key areas to be addressed to tackle depopulation locally. He revealed his ideas as new figures from the National Records of Scotland warned that the population is set to fall over the next decade by 1.7 per cent. Duncan, above, said: “Scotland’s rural communities are vital to our economy, our environment, and our culture - but are too often left behind by the SNP’s centralised, urban-focused policy. People in the South of Scotland are tired and frustrated with always feeling they are at the back of the queue. “Many rural communities have a wealth of opportunities but also face significant challenges, including depopulation and the loss of young people. There are many reasons for this including a chronic shortage of affordable housing and childcare; and poor transport connectivity. “People who live in Dumfries and Galloway have been clear about what is needed. That starts with improved roads, universal fast broadband and first-rate local healthcare. It also means growing the economy by attracting investment for professional jobs and not just tourism and service level roles."