Gary Peacock is Liberal Democrat candidate for Craigentinny / Duddingston Ward.
He told The Reporter:-“I was born in Edinburgh, but brought up on the south-side of Glasgow. I was educated at Woodfarm High School and then Glasgow University where I studied for an MA (Ord.) in Politics and French. I later studied Divinity at Aberdeen University and first came to Edinburgh when studying for a Masters Degree at the University here.
Since coming to live to Edinburgh in 1996, I have worked in the social care sector with the Garvald Centre, assisting adults with learning disabilities in a residential setting and also spent time in ministry for the Church. I live in Leith and am married with two children. Active in the Scottish Liberal Party and now the Scottish Liberal Democrats, I stood for Westminster in Edinburgh East and Musselburgh in 2001 and for Holyrood in the same constituency in 2003.
In 2007, I was elected as one of three Councillors for Craigentinny / Duddingston ward, and I have greatly enjoyed the privilege of representing the people of the area for the past 5 years. I have combined this with work for The Church of Scotland and for the last 2 years I have been locum at Inverleith Parish Church and now Inverleith St. Serf’s Parish Church. My leisure interests include hill-walking, railways, watching football and cricket, reading and visiting art galleries.
Since being elected, I have had to confront major issues in my ward, including initially the future of Meadowbank Stadium. Against the plans of the previous administration, we were able to save the stadium, even if I had to disagree with my party on the wisdom of selling of a third of the site. As economic times changed, this sell-off has for the moment been postponed and interim investment in the stadium secured.
The new Portobello High School has been another project with great significance for my constituents, secured by the Council without assistance from the Scottish Government. More recently, I have stood up for the importance of Piershill Library and for maintaining the present number of opening hours per week.
At all times, I have tried to listen to my constituents, and to weigh their concerns with my own convictions and to come to the appropriate conclusion. I have tried to be independently minded and at times this has led to disagreement with my party – on my refusal to support outscourcing for example – but I also believe that in difficult financial circumstances, the present Lib Dem led administration has governed responsibly in the interests of the people of Edinburgh.
I hope that my constituents will agree and that they will support me at the forthcoming election.
Contact details
Telephone: 0131 529 3182
Email gary.peacock@edinburgh.gov.uk
Email garyjpeacock@hotmail.com
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