Local MP David Mundell has met with representatives from London Olympics chiefs LOCOG (The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) to discuss the route of the Olympic Torch through the UK ahead of London 2012.
During the meeting LOCOG outlined their plans for the route and Mr Mundell made the case for the south-west of Scotland to be considered as one of the areas on route. LOCOG have already revealed that the torch will leave Land's End, Cornwall, on the morning of Saturday 19 May 2012 and during the 70-day torch relay, it will pass through towns and cities including Glasgow, Aberdeen and Newcastle.
In addition to the 74 locations already revealed, LOCOG have said the torch would also pass through many cities, towns, villages and places of outstanding natural beauty - as well as sports venues and community hubs. The announcement on the full route for the torch is to be made on 7th November.
Commenting, Mr Mundell said: “Having the Olympic Games in the United Kingdom next year should be a great event for the whole of the country.
“I know many people in Dumfries & Galloway are looking forward to the Olympics coming to Britain and they are keen to play their parts, whether by attending events in Glasgow or London, watching them from home on television or keeping up to date online.
“I hope that Dumfriesshire will also be visited by the Olympic torch on its journey through the UK. It is important that people in all parts of the UK feel connected to and a part of the games. I have pressed LOCOG to include our area in the torch’s tour so that local people can see it and join in the celebrations.
“I look forward to the announcement of the full route in November and I very much hope that our area has reason to celebrate.”