South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth and Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader Elaine Murray have vowed to work tirelessly to help find solutions following the destruction of two popular footbridges over the River Annan.

The Jubilee and Cuthbertson Memorial Bridges were swept away last week following torrential rain and high tides.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney visited the town on Wednesday and met with local councillors and members of the public, including Cllr Murray. On Tuesday, Colin Smyth had called on the Deputy First Minister to ensure the Scottish Government provides funding to reinstate foot bridges over the Annan, when he secured an urgent topical question in Parliament.

Colin Smyth said: “These bridges were part of the fabric of the town and were extremely popular, it is really heartbreaking to see the damage which was done by the river last week.

“The Deputy First Minister was able to see first hand how important they were to the town but now we need action and a real commitment on what funding is available.”

Cllr Murray added: “The meeting with the Deputy First Minister on Tuesday was constructive, though nothing concrete was announced about funding from the Scottish Government.

“I know how important these bridges were to the people of Annan and I will continue to press the Government to do all it can to help replace them.

“It is early days but there are a lot of different avenues we can explore, including the possibility that we could tie in Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022.

“As a council we will work tirelessly with all those involved in order to find a solution.”