The Edinburgh Reporter chats with Councillor Adam McVey

March 18, 2014 7:35 am

Councillor Adam McVey is the SNP representative for the Leith Ward. He has just been appointed Vice-Convener of Transport and Environment. He will be taking up his new position today at the Transport and Environment Committee which begins at 10 am at the City Chambers.

Who are you, and where did you come from in a couple of sentences?

I’m the newly elected Vice Convenor for Transport and Environment on Edinburgh Council. I arrived in Edinburgh from Paisley via Dundee University and settled here after doing a masters’ in Law at Edinburgh University.

What is the business book you recommend that everyone should read?

The only book I’m recommending right now is the Scotland’s future white paper. Regardless if you’re a shop owner, a shop steward, a grandmother or an apprentice EVERYONE should read it.

What do you think are your business strengths and weaknesses?

For a long and probably inexhaustible list of my weaknesses you’d probably be better asking some opposition Councillors…

For an even longer list of my strengths you’d be better asking my mother…

What was the defining moment on your career path that has got you where you are now?

I’m incredibly grateful to be a Councillor, but it’s fair to say I got elected by mistake. What started as a blunder has ended up being a fantastic two years representing Leith and led to an exciting new challenge in being part of improving Edinburgh’s transport networks and environment.

How do you spend your spare time?

I’m trying to learn German and to play the piano. Neither is going fantastically well but they do take up quite a bit of any spare time I have.

Do you think you achieve a good work/life balance?

It’s hard to keep a strong work/life balance when you’re out of the house most evenings and up early most weekends to campaign but I’m managing to keep my close friends and family which is important.

What makes Edinburgh the best location for you to live and/or work?

The best thing about Edinburgh is the port town that makes up a big chunk of North Edinburgh. *Jokes* The skyline is second to none but the real selling point of Edinburgh is the feel. It’s a melting pot of people from all over the world and it makes this one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the world.

What is your special area of Edinburgh, or special place in Edinburgh and why?

The place I most enjoy going is definitely Newhaven, fantastic food with a view of the water. What more could you want?

What would you consider the pinnacle of your career?

I think if you see politics as a career then you shouldn’t stand for election. If you’ve got something to say and want to make an impact then brilliant! As soon as you start putting your own progression before principles it’s probably time to do something else.

What are your goals for the next year?

I’d like to make inroads in the city’s recycling rate. At 39.5% it’s not as high as it should be and I’ll be focusing a lot of attention on achieving even more progress.

I’m also keen to keep pushing towards the goal of every area of the City reaching our target in terms of street cleanliness. There’s been a lot of progress made in both areas in the last 7 years but still a lot of work to do.

Describe your typical day for us.

During the week I’m usually in City Chambers attending meetings and answering constituents’ emails and letters. In the evening I have meetings of local groups in my ward. Luckily, I only have a few meetings most weekends which means I can campaign for a YES vote in September!

Your plan of attack for the next 12 months?

I’m going to be working very closely with my coalition colleagues to deliver our agreed pledges and try and resolve some long running big issues too like the air quality around the city’s vital access roads.