Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland and Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell visited the Wigtown Book Festival last Thursday to support the festival and promote the event across the region. As part of the visit Mr Mundell visited the Bookshop in Wigtown which is Scotland’s largest second-hand bookshop, for an explanation of the business and how the Wigtown Book Festival benefits them. He also visited The Old Bank Bookshop in Wigtown to meet the owners and discuss the business.
Wigtown became Scotland's National Book Town in 1997 and has become a hub for literary minded visitors from across Scotland and beyond. Mr Mundell was particularly keen to visit the town after it was named Scotland’s most creative small town in January this year as part of the inaugural Creative Place Awards.
Mr Mundell was extremely impressed both by the growth of the festival and by the way in which the wider community and business have grasped the opportunities it presents. He believes it acts as an example for towns across the region and shows what can be achieved by taking a distinctive and creative approach to the local economy. Mr Mundell is now encouraging locals from across the southwest to get involved, and plan ahead for a visit next year.
Speaking after the visit Mr Mundell said: “Once again this year’s Book Festival was a tremendous success and everyone involved can be very proud of the results of their hard work, careful planning and creativity.
Wigtown sets an inspirational example for many towns across this region, showing what can be achieved when local people work together. I was delighted to get the chance to visit the Festival and talk to local business owners about how the Festival benefits them. I am now keen to encourage others across Dumfries and Galloway to visit in future and it really does offer something for everyone.”