Exciting challenge for candidates in one of Scotland's key marginals

Cara Hilton is again fighting the seat and is hoping to win it back for Labour but the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens all feel confident that they can make a real impact.

We have given the candidates a chance to tell you why you should vote for them.

Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate Rebecca Bell contended: "I want to stop Brexit and say 'NO' to another Independence Referendum because Scotland is stronger and better off in Europe and the UK.

"Part of the £50 million Remain Bonus will address inequality by boosting spending on Universal Credit to reverse Conservative cuts that have left people in poverty even if they are in work.

"If elected, I will focus on what should be our priority, tackling climate change. We will insulate properties, free for low-income homes, ending fuel poverty by 2025. We will provide the money for free childcare from nine months old and invest in Scottish schools."

Added Rebecca: "The Liberal Democrats want to examine all railways and stations closed since the 1960s to invest in our infrastructure, including Levenmouth and Newburgh. "We will also spend £50 billion on a rebalancing fund to build the economy away from London and the south-east of England. The Liberal Democrats are the only party at this election putting forward a credible economic plan to build a brighter future. That starts with staying in the EU - any form of Brexit, whether red or blue, will make Britain’s economy weaker and people poor."

Conservative Moira Benny's priorities for Dunfermline and West Fife are: "To stand firm against the SNP's plans for another divisive Independence Referendum.

"Invest in primary NHS care and maintain a full range of services at local hospitals as well as securing more investment in vital local transport infrastructure and improve local roads.

"Support teachers to drive up classroom standards and restore the quality of Scottish eduction."

She added: "Nicola Sturgeon wants to hold another Independence Referendum next year and Jeremy Corbyn has said the Labour Party won't even stand in the way of one taking place. So this election could be our last chance to stop that Referendum, but to do that we need to send the SNP a message they can't ignore."

SNP candidate Douglas Chapman said: "This election is all about Scotland’s future being in Scotland’s hands. We are a medium sized European nation. No one should tell us we not big enough, smart enough or rich enough to run our own country.

"As your MP I have worked hard on building confidence by backing some of the really good things happening in our local communities. I’ve spoken up for Dunfermline and West Fife when it comes to jobs and supporting our local economy.

"At a time when we’re still reeling from austerity cuts made by the Tories and the Lib Dems we have to focus on the positive. That means working towards building three new West Fife high schools, a new college campus at Halbeath and campaigning to get our Euroferry service re-instated. Being ambitious and building our skills is key to our future prosperity.

"I have campaigned hard to reduce single use plastics and as a response to the climate emergency, supported our transition to renewable energy. I have fought for the WASPI women and those in the Mineworkers’ Pension Scheme who have been treated deplorably by a UK Tory Government which has been determined to steal their pensions.

"Most people I speak to are thoroughly fed up with the Brexit process and the way it’s been handled so incompetently by the UK Tory Government. Tory MPs have refused to back their own Prime Minister's deals and a no deal is in no-one's interest.

"This Thursday your vote is crucial to Scotland’s future".

The Green Party's Mags Hall commented: "This General Election is the opportunity for voters in Fife to demand urgent action on climate change. "The next UK Government could be in place for half of the ten years international experts say we have to tackle the climate crisis.

"A Scottish Green New Deal could deliver both a huge economic boost and a clean environment, as we move away from the heavy polluters into a sustainable future. The proposed Talgo factory, for Longannet, shows how green technologies could employ more people than fossil fuels industries ever did, and as MP for Dunfermline and West Fife I will prioritise delivering further jobs in renewables, green transport and retrofitting of homes.

"Significant public investment in low-carbon ferries could keep Rosyth in work for a generation and make Fife a leader in tackling the climate emergency, whilst re-opening the Dunfermline to Alloa railway could reconnect Fife to the West and give local people much greater choice in where they work and study".

She added: "Dunfermline deserves its own regional Green City Deal, one which seeks to boost our local economy, skills and connections, rather than treating us as a suburb of Edinburgh, as the previous City Deal from Westminster did.

"The Scottish Greens stand firmly against Brexit, and will fight to maintain the social and environmental protections we won as part of the EU. As a Green MP I will work towards building an inclusive, welcoming Scotland where everyone is valued no matter their race, religion, gender or sexuality".

Labour's Cara Hilton said: "I​ am standing to be our MP because I want to secure a better deal for our area and all our communities and a fairer country for all.

"In this election there are only two outcomes. More injustice, division and austerity under Boris Johnson, or real positive change with Labour. A vote for the SNP in this election merely delivers more of the same division; their sole aim to force another divisive Referendum.

"The fact is, in this area the vast majority do not want another Referendum. People just want a better standard of living for themselves and the community we live in.

"I suspect the majority do not want Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage or Nicola Sturgeon continuing with more years of division. That’s why I believe a Labour Government delivering a Real Living Wage of £10 an hour for everyone over the age of 16, ending exploitation of zero-hours contracts, rights at work from day one, securing compensation for WASPI women, a real fair deal for pensioners, ending austerity and benefitting from the £100 billion public investment that only a Labour Government are offering, are the things that really matter, to bring our country together again.

"And we will give the public the final say on Brexit – either to leave with a better deal or to remain in the EU.

"In the General Election, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity for change. By voting Labour on December 12, you can secure a better future for you and your family".