Greater support for the Annan and Langholm Ridings of the Marches has been called for, as one MP has launched a campaign to have these historic events recognised as "culturally significant."

Dumfries and Galloway MP and Scottish Secretary Alistair Jack is campaigning, along with others including Dumfriesshire MSP Oliver Mundell to have the region's Riding of the Marches celebrations supported financially by the Scottish Government.

Mr Jack has called for financial and other forms of support in order to ensure the events can return successfully next year, following the cancellation of this summer's events due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Jack has written to Fiona Hyslop, the Scottish Government cabinet secretary for economy, fair work and culture to ask that the Scottish Government consider these events as "culturally significant" to Scotland.

"These are gold-standard events which reflect local history, enhance community spirit and are the result of a huge amount of hard work all year by volunteer committees," Mr Jack said.

"As we go through this difficult period, let's ensure that, despite missing a year because of the public health emergency, these important celebrations come back firing on all cylinders in 2021 and thrive far into the future."