Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
The European Commission Vice President for Transport was today welcomed to Scotland.It is the first time Vice President Jacques Barrot has visited the country in his official capacity.
Scottish Ministers will be hosting a dinner at Edinburgh Castle in honour of Vice President Barrot later this evening.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Stewart Stevenson said:
"Jacques Barrot is a highly influential figure within the European Commission and I am delighted to welcome him to Scotland.
"This Government places great value in working closely with the key EU Institutions. We want to strengthen and build on our existing relationships with the Commission and I am looking forward to sharing views and experiences with Vice President Barrot.
"With us both having a shared interest in transport, I am sure we will have much to talk about.
"There are issues I am keen to discuss with him, such as the recently announced EC investigation into ferries. Although this investigation covers the terms of previous administrations, I am pleased to have the opportunity to talk about the way forward in the years ahead.
"This is Vice President Barrot's first official visit to Scotland and I am sure that he will be hugely impressed by our fantastic country."
Jacques Barrot was appointed European Commissioner for the period 2004 to 2013. Prior to this, he was head of the French President, Jacques Chirac's UMP Party in the National Assembly. He has a political background at local and regional levels as well, as a Member of the Auvergne Regional Council - from 1976 to 1986 - and as Mayor of Yssingeaux, from March 1989 to March 2001. He is currently Vice President for Transport.
During his visit Vice President Barrot will visit the Scottish Parliament, the Forth Road Bridge, Ferrytoll Park and Ride in Inverkeithing, and Edinburgh Airport.
