David Torrance MSP calls for giant whale sculptures in Kirkcaldy

Speaking after his re-election to the Scottish Parliament, SNP politician David Torrance suggested creating a visitor attraction akin to the Kelpies to boost the town’s economy.

“We have so much potential in Kirkcaldy,” he said. “That whole centre of Kirkcaldy with the amount of land that could become available for redevelopment.

“It is not just about the High Street. We have got a waterfront that is stunning. We have got to connect that centre of town to the waterfront but we have got to do something that is ambitious and bold.

“Falkirk has got the Kelpies – why not get two big whales and light up the waterfront?”

Mr Torrance, who has served as MSP for 15 years, said such an idea would bring people into the town and spend money in the area.

“If you could bring thousands of people to Kirkcaldy, what a difference it would be. You see how much tourism there is at the Kelpies.”

The SNP candidate secured victory in the election with 12,230 votes with Labour’s Claire Baker coming second with 7,483 votes, Reform UK’s Julie MacDougall securing 5,484 votes, Fraser Graham (Lib Dems) receiving 1,607 votes and Conservative Heather Greig getting 1,445.

For Mr Torrance, his re-election came after a successful campaign.

“The difference for this year is we didn’t know that unknown identity of Reform UK,” he said. “We didn’t know who was voting and how much it was going to take from all of us because they have never been in my election life which is 35 years between councillor and MSP.

“That unknown quantity was probably a factor that drove us hard when campaigning.

“It is about the engagement. It is about the connection with communities. That makes a big difference. You spend time in your constituency. People know you are accessible and they can contact you easily.”

Thanking his Kirkcaldy constituents for electing him for the fourth time, he added: “I will serve you to the best of my ability and be accountable at all times.”