In his speech of welcome to the Prime Minister, John Lamont, the MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire and candidate for the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk seat in the forthcoming general election, reminded us that it was almost 30 years since a serving prime minister had last visited Hawick, when Margaret Thatcher had sampled the local iced buns. In his response, David Cameron promised that if he was re-elected Hawick would not have to wait another 30 years for the next visit. He then went on to stress the critical importance of the approaching election for the future of the country and that if a strong Conservative government was to be returned next May it was vital for John Lamont to win in Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk and for David Mundell—who was also present at the reception—to retain Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale. As well as the two local candidates, Ruth Davidson, the leader of the Scottish Conservative & Unionist party was also in Hawick for the occasion.
In their speeches, both David Cameron and John Lamont hammered home the point that it was only the Scottish Conservative & Unionist party that had the strength to derail the SNP bandwagon in the south of Scotland; but that if this was to be achieved it would require a great deal of hard work knocking on doors, delivering leaflets, telephone canvassing and much, much more between now and May. The enthusiastic reponse to his speech can have left the Prime Minister in no doubt that the local members were ready and willing to answer his call to action.
After talking to the Hawick squad, who were taking part in an evening training session, and before addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister was able to meet a number of members and local figures, including Stuart Marshall, the Honorary Provost of Hawick, as the accompanying photographs show. Whether they met the Prime Minister or not, all those attending were able to enjoy the splendid hospitality of Hawick RFC, who provided the venue and laid on the refreshments. The Association is very grateful for all their efforts and let's all hope and work to ensure that David Cameron is in a position to fulfil his promise after this May's election.