Craig Hoy MSP has concluded his summer surgery tour after visiting 40 individual towns and villages across his Dumfriesshire constituency, meeting residents and hearing first-hand about the issues affecting local communities.
Over the course of the tour, Mr Hoy travelled across the constituency to hold accessible local surgeries and speak directly with residents about their concerns, ensuring people living in smaller and more rural communities have the opportunity to raise issues with their MSP close to home.
The 40-stop tour formed part of Mr Hoy’s commitment to being a visible and accessible representative for communities across Dumfriesshire.
Residents raised a wide range of local and national issues during the tour, as well as individual cases where Mr Hoy will now provide assistance and take matters forward with councils, public bodies and other organisations.
Mr Hoy said:
“Dumfriesshire is made up of dozens of fantastic towns, villages and rural communities and it’s important to me that people have the opportunity to speak to their MSP in the communities where they live.
“That’s why I have spent the summer getting out and about across the constituency, visiting 40 different towns and villages and speaking directly with local residents.
“I am very grateful to everyone who took the time to come along, stop for a conversation or raise an issue with me. These discussions give me an invaluable insight into what is happening on the ground and the pressures facing families, businesses and communities across Dumfriesshire.
“Whether it’s concerns about local roads and transport, access to healthcare and other public services, support for our town centres and rural economy, or an individual problem needing my help, I want constituents to know that I am here to listen and act on their behalf.
“Representing a large and mainly rural constituency means it’s particularly important that politicians do not just expect constituents to come to them. I believe representatives should get out into the communities they serve.
“While this summer’s 40-stop tour has now concluded, my work across Dumfriesshire certainly has not. I will continue following up the cases and concerns raised with me and I look forward to continuing to meet residents across the constituency in the months ahead.”
Mr Hoy has thanked residents, community groups and local venues across Dumfriesshire for their support during the summer tour.
Constituents who were unable to attend one of the summer surgery stops can continue to contact Mr Hoy’s office for assistance or to raise local and national issues.
