Scott Barrie MSP

Dunfermline West first elected 1999

For a politician to be elected to represent the area they live in, the area they call home is probably the greatest honour and to the people of Dunfermline West I am extremely grateful for giving me that honour.

I am proud to be a Fifer, and apart from the six years spent at University, I have always lived in the Kingdom. I attended both Edinburgh and Stirling Universities, obtaining my post graduate social work qualification in 1986. Prior to being elected to the Scottish Parliament I worked within the social work service of Fife Council/Fife Regional Council as well as serving as an elected member of Dunfermline District Council.

The challenges of the area have been exacerbated as Dunfermline and the Forth shore villages have become increasingly integrated into the greater Edinburgh economy. This has placed considerable strain in the local transport infrastructure, both road and rail. In particular, recent concerns have emerged regarding the long term viability of the Forth Road Bridge which is operating well in excess of its design capacity with the morning and evening traffic "peaks" lasting for ever longer periods.

Dunfermline has a proud history as the ancient capital of Scotland; the burial place of Robert the Bruce and the birthplace of Andrew Carnegie. We need to make the most of these important icons. I am clear that the key tasks ahead in Dunfermline West is to built on past achievements and take on the challenges of the 21st century. We need to grow the West Fife economy, improve transport links within and outwith the constituency and improve the quality of life and opportunities for all.

In conjunction with Labour colleagues within Fife, Scotland and the UK I intend to do that.