Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson yesterday hailed the opening of a new covered walkway at Aberdeen Airport as an example of the investment and commitment of owner BAA.
The link connects the Dyce terminal with the aircraft stands and replaces makeshift shelters which passengers complained left them exposed to the elements when boarding and departing flights.
It is part of a £5m investment in the airport which has also seen the aircraft stands reconfigured to expand the capacity for handling the latest generation of aircraft.
Mr Stevenson, who was joined at the opening by Kevin Brown, the airport's managing director, said: "This investment is testament to BAA's commitment to the airport and shows a determination to see it thrive and expand, a welcome boost to the local economy in these challenging times.
"As visitors arrive from across the world to celebrate Homecoming it's important they get a warm welcome and there is no doubt that this year, and for many years to come, visitors travelling through Aberdeen Airport will enjoy these wonderful new facilities."
The terminal walkway was conceived as a result of feedback from passengers, a spokeswoman for BAA said.
Mr Brown added: "We are aware of the difference this extension will make."
"This is an exciting year. Not only are we just about to celebrate our 75th birthday, but we are spending more in these 12 months than we have before. There is no part of our terminal that is not seeing the benefits of our massive spend this year and this walkway is a big part of that."
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
