South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that asymptomatic testing is to be introduced across Dumfries and Galloway but he said the move is ‘long overdue’.

From Thursday anyone who does not have any symptoms but who is concerned they may have Covid-19 can arrange to be tested at one of the mobile testing units.

Colin Smyth said: “This is very welcome news, we’ve been told by experts since the start of the pandemic that testing, including asymptomatic testing, is hugely important in the fight against this terrible virus.

“I would urge anyone who might be concerned that they have Covid or who feels they should be tested to book a test as soon as they can.

“However, while this is a positive move in our region, it is long overdue. It has taken the Scottish Government nearly a year to get this testing up and running, which is far too long.

“As we saw here in December and January, this virus has the ability to spread at terrifying rates. Testing, particularly asymptomatic testing, is very important but so is the further roll out of the vaccination programme.

“While we’ve seen some inroads into vaccination, I will be pressing the government to keep progress brisk so we can get as many people vaccinated as possible.”