VARIETY was the theme as politicians David and Oliver Mundell embarked on their annual marathon surgery tour this week -- all outdoors.
The father and son team put safety first as they took to streets, car parks, gardens and even the site of an old village phone box as they broadened access for constituents during the Covid crisis.
Dumfriesshire MP David and constituency MSP Oliver pride themselves on keeping in touch with even the remotest communities on their vast rural patch and were determined to continue doing so.
David said: "The number of issues raised with us has mushroomed since the pandemic began and we've held regular telephone and online video surgeries throughout.
"But there has always been a demand for face-to-face meetings which we've done on an individual basis, strictly observing the advice at the time and social distancing.
"That's why we decided to adapt our usual surgery tour on an appointments basis but ensuring we spend time in every community."
Oliver said: "The tour is scheduled to continue on selected days until at least the end of the month and although we've experienced rain, wind and sunshine along the way it has so far proved to be well worth the effort.
"Constituents are facing many issues and challenges just now and some genuinely find it easier to explain the details on a face-to-face basis.
"Health, employment and transport all remain big issues and there is a general longing for life to return to relative normality as soon as possible but only when it is safe to do so."