South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has welcomed the news that a £3,000 grant has been awarded to help expand the Railway Reflections Museum at Dumfries Station.

The money, awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, will help expand the museum, which is currently a window display housed in the old kiosk on Platform 1.

The museum is run by Douglas Thomson and is aimed at highlighting what was lost when Doctor Beeching made drastic cuts and closures in the early 1960s.

There will be various items of railway memorabilia, uniforms, pictures, model railway layout, library and DVD collection on display and Mr Thomson intends for there to be talks on the disused railway lines in our area.

Colin Smyth said: “I was really interested to hear more about the plans to expand on the current display at Dumfries Station and make it into something bigger for passengers and visitors to enjoy.

“Our stations and the wider railway network have a fascinating history and I very much look forward to visiting and learning more.

“The National Lottery Heritage Fund is invaluable for small projects such as this, it takes money raised by National Lottery players and invests it in museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions.”