The first minister said external experts would be used

The Social Work Inspection Agency has reported a string of failings in social work services in Dumfries and Galloway.

Galloway and Upper Nithsdale Tory MSP Alex Fergusson highlighted the "catastrophic" situation.

Mr McConnell said action was being taken over the report but added that external experts would also be used.

Inspectors found "systemic problems which severely impaired the ability to deliver a well-planned, responsive service".

Low morale

They also found senior management failed to give strong leadership, with staff experiencing low morale and "little sense of a coherent vision".

The department's performance was rated from "weak" to "adequate" in nine key categories, with leadership branded "unsatisfactory" in the report.

Mr Fergusson said he had concerns about the authority's capacity to improve the service.

He asked the first minister how his constituents could have faith that 24 recommendations in the report would be implemented.

The council has pledged to address social work problems

Mr Fergusson said the same people tasked with overseeing the improvements were the ones who let the situation arise in the first place.

He further asked if the first minister would commit the executive, if necessary, to intervening directly to ensure a swift resolution to this matter.

Mr McConnell said Education Minister Peter Peacock had had a meeting with representatives of the council where he raised his concerns.

He welcomed the local authority's commitment to taking action to bring about changes.

He added that experts would be brought in from outside to help with the reforms.

The SWIA is expected to conduct a follow-up inspection of the service in a year's time.