True champion of Dumfries is remembered

Tributes have been paid to a "character"who spent more than 40 years championing Dumfries.

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Former council leader John Dowson has died following a period of illness.

John, 76, had lived on the High Street for decades and was passionate about trying to revive the area.

An antique and fine art dealer, former councillor John was leader of the local authority from 1995 to 1999, before being appointed Dumfries Town Centre manager in 2000, a role he held for two years.

One of the founding members of social landlord Loreburn Housing, John was the association's first chairman in 1981.