South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has called on Transport Minister Jenny Gilruth to meet with local action groups to discuss concerns about transport infrastructure in the south west, following the P&O sackings last week.

Speaking in the Scottish Parliament yesterday (Tuesday), the local MSP said more needs to be done to attract more jobs into a “forgotten” part of Scotland.

Speaking during a question session, Colin Smyth said: “[On Wednesday] along with the local community and trade unions from across Scotland, I will protest outside P&O Ferries in Cairnryan, standing shoulder to shoulder with those workers, who have been treated with such contempt by P&O.

“I urge colleagues to join the workers, if they can, in Cairnryan at 12 o’clock to fight any job cuts but also to send a clear signal that we need to end fire and rehire once and for all—because, if that can happen at P&O, it can happen anywhere.

“There was no justification for P&O’s actions, but, when there are job losses in Wigtownshire, people too often have to leave the area to find alternative work because the poor transport infrastructure means that there are limited local opportunities.

“Will the transport minister meet the neighbouring ferry operator, Stena Line, and the local action groups to discuss their concern about the transport infrastructure and the urgent need to make improvements to the A75 and A77, to attract more jobs into that often forgotten part of Scotland?”

Following the session, Colin Smyth added: “It’s time for national government to finally take notice and stop ignoring the infrastructure issues we have here in the south west.

“Again, and again, this region has been overlooked and forgotten by both the Scottish and UK Governments and people have had enough.”