Gavin Barrie is the SNP candidate for Inverleith Ward.
Barrie was born in Dundee in 1957. He joined the Fire Service there in 1977 before moving to Edinburgh and Lothian & Borders Fire Service in 1980. Since moving to Edinburgh he has lived with my partner of 27 years in Leith then the Warriston area of Inverleith.
He told The Reporter:-
“My family have all been raised in Edinburgh and educated locally before going on to graduate from different Edinburgh universities.
My Fire Service career ended in March 2011 when I retired after 34 years service. 18 years of my service was based at McDonald Road Fire Station with other time at Newcraighall which included specialist rescue duties including line rescue.
I have recently returned from Palestine where I was part of a humanitarian aid team that drove 2 fire engines filled with safety equipment for Palestinian firefighters
I have spent the past 34 years of my working life helping people. I see election to the City of Edinburgh Council representing the Ward of Inverleith as an extension of this. My work experience means I have dealt with the full spectrum of people in Edinburgh, from the perilously poor to the extremely wealthy.
For 20 years I was an Official of the Fire Brigades Union rising to the elected post of Scottish Treasurer and Chair prior to my retirement. My work at the highest level of the Fire Brigades Union in Scotland further enhanced my skills in understanding both people and politics. As Scottish Treasurer another set of skills was quickly acquired, that of understanding budgets and finances.
Being in an elected position meant I was answerable to around 6,000 Scottish members and various committees. I have dealt with everyone from local managers and local community groups to Scottish Ministers responsible for the Fire Service including Parliamentary Committees. This unpaid work was often challenging although it was also extremely rewarding.
I am proud to have been part of a campaigns against unwise fire station closures, cuts and reductions in public services. As a senior official I was at the forefront, supporting community groups and individuals with advice and assistance.”
