From bomb disposal to reviving a Scots town centre

An award-winning businessman, who is set to be in charge of £20m to regenerate an "overlooked" town centre, has set out his vision for the future.

Bomb disposal expert turned entrepreneur Richie Nicoll said he was "surprised" after being chosen - unanimously - to become the first chairperson of the Dumfries Town Board.

The army veteran is "looking forward to the challenge" of turning around the fortunes of south-west Scotland's regional capital.

Backed by the UK government's levelling-up fund, the town board has been created solely to oversee the investment, aimed at improving Dumfries town centre.

Mr Nicoll, a father-of-two, is hoping to draw on his military background as he looks to "breathe new life" into the area.

His role will be to provide a non-political, independent voice to develop a long-term investment plan for Dumfries.

The 46-year-old said: "It's going to be challenge, but I'm happy with that.

"I've got a good idea of what people want, and I'm looking forward to cracking on with it.

"I'm a proud and passionate Doonhamer, born and bred in Dumfries, and always champion the town, as I think it's got a lot to offer."

Mr Nicoll was chosen by councillors from a shortlist of four during Dumfries and Galloway Council's Nithsdale area committee on Wednesday.

Having served with the Royal Signals in Bosnia and Ireland, and spending time working in the Middle East, he is hoping his international experiences will help make the role a success.

He said: "100% there are transferable skills I've picked up from my time abroad, and team work is the biggest one.

"What we can get done won't just be my vision, it will be everyone's vision.

"I am a big believer in a joint purpose. The first big job is putting the rest of the board in place, and having the right people with the same thinking around what we are doing and why."

Dumfries is one of a number of Scottish towns to receive a share of the UK-wide funding pot, which is aimed at supporting areas which have been "overlooked and taken for granted".

Opponents have described the move as a political ploy and "barely more than shiny headlines".

While the managing director of EcoClean Solutions accepts £20m "isn't enough on its own" to fully change the town, he insists it can be "used smartly to pull in other investment opportunities".

Mr Nicoll added: "Dumfries has changed massively.

"But when speaking to people it's clear most towns of a similar size in the UK have also struggled with online shopping and retail parks.

"It's sad to see how things have gone, a dominance of betting shops and closed buildings make it look tired.

"Dumfries is the Queen of the South, it needs to be brought back to life, and that's why we're very lucky in managing to secure these funds."

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