What about south?

Alex Salmond’s major project wish-list is high on aspiration, but it is conspicuous how few projects are located in the south of Scotland. (your report, 10 March). Upgrading the A75 from Hardgrove to Kinmount, a vital link given the recent tragic road fatalities, appears to be the only project to make the grade which may lead to claims of a “forgotten south”.

The previously dormant border partnerships between Dumfries & Galloway, Cumbria, Northumberland and Scottish Borders Councils should be reconvened and then developed into a body similar to Glasgow & Clyde Valley Joint Structure group, but would have the added advantage of potentially accessing two infrastructure funding streams, north and south of the Border.

An innovative and wide-ranging solution could also include cross-border partnerships in tourism, energy and other key employment generating markets, and involve the strategy plans of VisitScotland, English Heritage, Forestry Commission Scotland and utility companies.

I am convinced the Scottish Government will not forget about the south, but sometimes it just needs a little gentle reminding.

Brian Pope

Beechgrove, Lockerbie,

Dumfries & Galloway