Local MSP Colin Smyth has urged local people to remember the many hidden gems in Dumfries and Galloway when they’re planning days out this summer.

The South Scotland MSP recently visited Crawick Multiverse in Sanquhar to tour the site and learn more about the work being done.

Colin Smyth said: “I have visited Crawick Multiverse with my family several times and it’s a fantastic day out for everyone.

“It was great to be able to head along in my capacity as MSP and learn more about the site, and the exciting events being planned there to take this attraction to the next level.

“There has been great investment in facilities such as the Coalface in the last couple of years, with its cafe, accessible toilets and area for indoor activities, and the upcoming Music at the Multiverse is just one of the much-anticipated events the team has planned to attract even more people to visit.

“Crawick is a perfect example of some of the amazing hidden gems our region has to offer.

“A former open cast mine, Crawick was designed by world-renowned landscape artist Charles Jencks and it opened in 2015, and really is absolutely unique.

“However, even though it’s been established for years, local people sometimes forget it is just minutes from Sanquhar and Kirkconnel, and 40 minutes from Dumfries, and this means they’re missing out on a fantastic day out right on their doorstep.

“Dumfries and Galloway has many such places and I would encourage anyone who is considering a day out to think about going local.”