South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said he was “honoured” to attend the launch of Dumfries author Ian Gasse’s latest book.

Mobbings, Struggles and Strikes was launched during a two-day event in Dumfries’ Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre on Friday and Saturday (November 18 and 19).

The book, which follows his first work Something to Build On from last year, traces various working class attempts to secure the vote, establish trade unions and win better pay and working conditions – all through different kinds of collective action.

Colin Smyth said: “I was honoured to attend Ian’s launch event on Friday and I am really looking forward to reading his latest book.

“Both of these books are a huge achievement for Ian and follow years of hard work and research.

“This is an important piece of work and seeks to shed some light on the forgotten history of the organised working class of Dumfries and Maxwelltown.”