'Missing' district returns to map

The Eskdale name has been returned to the ward title

A "missing" district which had been wiped off the political map in southern Scotland is to be reinstated.

The Eskdale area disappeared from council ward names in Dumfries and Galloway after a boundary review.

It sparked a "Save Eskdale" campaign to have the title put back in what was claimed was its rightful place.

The Scottish Government has now agreed to meet the campaigners demands and ward 13 in the region will now be known as Annandale East and Eskdale.

It brings to an end a three-year fight to keep the name on the ward map.

In 2005, the Local Boundary Commission for Scotland suggested the area be called Annandale East.

That was the ward name which was used in local government elections last year.

However, campaigners refused to admit defeat and took the case to Finance Secretary John Swinney seeking the return of the Eskdale name.

It has now been confirmed the name will be reinstated - a decision welcomed by Dumfriesshire Tory MP David Mundell and Dumfries Labour MSP Elaine Murray.