South Scotland MSP and Scottish Liberal Democrat health spokesman Jim Hume has welcomed reassurances from the Scottish Government on its work to support rural and remote areas affected by GP shortages - but warned the issue must remain at the top of the agenda.

Mr Hume has asked the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Wellbeing and Sport if the Scottish Government can guarantee that rural and remote areas will not be disproportionately affected by GP shortages.

Mr Hume said: “Our rural and remote communities across South Scotland deserve the same access to GP support as everyone else, and mustn’t be sidelined.

“While I welcome the minister’s response that work is taking place, the SNP cannot ignore the starling fact that this summer alone one in five GP training slots in Scotland had been left unfilled.

“As winter sets in, I’ll be seeking reassurances from the Scottish Government that this issue is being addressed as a top priority for patients across South Scotland.”