South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has expressed his disappointment at the news from the trustees of The Royal Burgh of Dumfries Tattoo that the charity is to wind up and step back from producing the Dumfries Tattoo– but congratulated the local group for many years of the successful Tattoos.

The charity said efforts to attract additional volunteers had been unsuccessful, coupled with rising costs and funding bodies tightening their purse strings.

Colin Smyth said: “The news that the charity is to wind up and step back from producing the wonderful Dumfries Tattoo is very disappointing.

“I have attended the event for many years with my family and it has always been a brilliant and well attended occasion that adds to the towns events calendar.

“However, sadly, I fully understand the reasons the charity has given and it is a situation that all too many charities and organisations are currently experiencing.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisers and volunteers who have devoted their time and efforts to making this event such a success, and they should be very proud of what they have achieved.”