Region to host countryside hustings

KEY issues affecting the rural community will be discussed at a special rural hustings to take place in Dumfries and Galloway ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections.

The Scottish Countryside Alliance will hold the event on Monday night, February 9, at 7 pm, at Mabie House Hotel.

It will be chaired by Jake Swindells, director of Scottish Countryside Alliance and is described as 'a unique opportunity for voters to hear directly from the candidates standing for election, ask questions and engage in a lively debate about the challenges and opportunities facing the countryside'.

Representatives from all major political parties have been invited, and there is a strong line up of speakers: Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries, will be representing the Scottish Conservatives; Emma Harper, MSP for South Scotland, the SNP; Jack McConnel, Scottish Labour's candidate for Galloway and West Dumfries, will be there, along with Scottish Liberal Democrats candidate Tracey Warman. It is understood that Reform Scotland will also have a candidate representing their party.

Jake Swindells said: "The countryside is at the heart of both life and identity in Dumfries and Galloway, and it is so important that local rural people should have the opportunity to hear from candidates directly about their views on rural issues, and have the chance to question them face to face.

"We are most grateful to all speakers for giving up their time to event, and look forward to an engaging and informative evening."

The Scottish Countryside Alliance are inviting anyone interested to attend the event. See their website for more details.