RURAL areas of Scotland such as the Borders can sometimes feel like a “forgotten land”, MP Calum Kerr has told the House of Commons.

In his Maiden Speech, the new SNP member for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk said that issues such as patchy mobile phone coverage and lack of help for farming communities were holding the region back.

He said that his constituency was “one of the most beautiful and diverse in these islands” and urged tourists to visit the Borders, adding: “You will find no warmer welcome anywhere, I promise.” Mr Kerr, who was given the opportunity to make his Maiden Speech during the Commons debate following on from last week’s budget, told fellow MPs that the constituency was made up of proudly independent towns and villages, each one with its own identity, traditions and history.

He added: “Our Borders landscapes are not just varied and beautiful - they are a hugely important part of our economy, generating revenue and sustaining employment.

“We do, however, face real disadvantages. Rural Scotland, including my constituency, can feel like a forgotten land - a policy afterthought.” Mr Kerr pointed out that UK Government policy over mobile phone licensing left rural areas such as the Borders short changed and that our farming communities had an extremely poor deal from Tory ministers who failed to fight for their interests in Brussels.

He continued: “This is a remarkable abandonment. UK ministers have not so much been sleeping on the job as comatose in the corner. The Prime Minister promised to respect Scotland, but he and his government continue to neglect our national interests.” The MP welcomed the opening of the new Borders Railway this coming September. “That is a welcome investment by the Scottish Government. Now, we must examine the feasibility of extending it to Hawick and Carlisle.” Members of Parliament making their maiden speeches traditionally pay tribute to their predecessors and Mr Kerr did so in generous terms, describing Lib Dem Michael Moore, who he beat at the General Election in May, as “immensely hard working” and “rightly held in great affection in the constituency.” He added: “I have always found him a warm, gracious and principled adversary as well as a highly capable politician. I am sure that all members will join me in wishing him all the best for the future.” Mr Kerr went on to attack last week’s “crippling austerity budget” which he said ignored “traditional values of fairness, protection of families and decency.” He also criticised the UK Government for rejecting SNP amendments to the Scotland Bill.

“Despite the government’s hostile actions, we have not come to this place to agitate for independence.

“We are here to protect and promote Scotland’s interests, and to stand with all those who will oppose austerity and work for freedom, human rights and social justice.”