A motorsport event in Dumfries & Galloway is a huge boost to the area, economically and enviromentally, according to local politicians.

MP David Mundell and constituency MSP Oliver Mundell welcomed sport and environmental dividends at the event held at Glenmuckloch.

They toured the former open cast mine near Kirkconnel and witnessed advanced electric-powered vehicles competing over a challenging multi-level track.

Cumnock Chronicle: The event held at Glenmuckloch.The event held at Glenmuckloch. (Image: David Mundell, MP and Oliver Mundell, MSP)

There are ambitious plans for the site to become home to a pumped storage hydro (PSH) electricity generation plant to feed the national grid at times of maximum demand.

On Saturday (May 13), both politicians experienced the spectacular terrain when they were taken at speed round the circuit by skilled off-road drivers in so-called ‘hot cars.’

Earlier, Oliver Mundell saw some of the environmental projects supported by Extreme E in Upper Nithsdale.

He joined in a tree-planting session taking place beside the River Nith and also other work to improve habitats, enhance spawning grounds and help reverse the impact of climate change.

Cumnock Chronicle: A popular and beneficial event.A popular and beneficial event. (Image: David Mundell, MP and Oliver Mundell, MSP)

Extreme E has been partnering with the Nith District Salmon Fishery Board on the project.

Both politicians were unsurprisingly delighted with the impact it's had on the local area.

David Mundell said: “Having something on the scale of Extreme E in Upper Nithsdale has been a big boost locally and showcases just what we have to offer visitors and would-be investors in terms of friendly hard-working communities, beautiful countryside and dramatic landscapes.”

Oliver Mundell added: “Seeing the use of cutting-edge low-carbon power sources in a motor sport setting was fascinating and I was also impressed by the additional conservation work being supported on the near-by River Nith as a result of this event.”