As entrances to the world of politics go, few could have been more intense than that of Lindsay Roy.
Facing what many considered to be an impossible task on November 6 2008, the head teacher of Kirkcaldy High School arrived in the hall of Fife Sports Institute in Glenrothes knowing that a failure to win the biggest by-election in recent history would cost Labour one of its safest seats and its leader, Prime Minister Gordon Brown, his job.
However, little more than six years after one of the most remarkable results in electoral history, securing a victory of almost 7,000 votes, the 66-year-old is ending his career on the political front line and, as of today, is no longer the Member of Parliament for the town.
Reflecting on that momentous night, he said the scale of his achievement was noticeable when he arrived at Westminster for the first time.
“We worked exceptionally hard and it was exhilarating when we triumphed,” he said.
“It was nip and tuck until the end.
“When I was introduced to Parliament it was a raucous PMQs and I was going into this theatre with a bit of ceremony to sign the oath.
“But the speaker was very generous to me and it wasn’t long before I felt a part of Parliament.
“A number of people within the party said to me that I’d saved Gordon Brown, and they were very upbeat.”
Following his nail-biting victory in 2008, Mr Roy more than doubled his majority in 2010 to more than 16,000.
His political career followed on from three decades in the teaching world, including 19 years as rector at Inverkeithing High School.
Asked about his proudest achievement in politics, Mr Roy referenced his close links with local MSP Tricia Marwick.
A former SNP member, the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament may come from the other side of the political divide, but the pair frequently joined forces to work for the constituency.
“There are two campaigns I am very proud of,” he said.
“One was saving the out-of-hours GP service at Glenrothes Hospital against all the odds and challenges.
“The other was helping people living near the wastewater treatment works in Methil.
“Myself and Tricia have a remarkable relationship. We have political differences but have worked together on many things that have a common purpose.
“As Presiding Officer she has done exceptionally well, and I really admire and trust her.
“We’re in regular contact, and that’s the way it should be.
“It’s about putting the constituents first,” he added.
While admitting that he will miss the camaraderie of the political scene, Mr Roy added that he would not be retiring totally from public life, and would look to work with voluntary groups as well as returning in some capacity to his first career in education.
However, he will continue a personal fight away from the glare of the public eye after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease earlier this year.
While medication is helping control his condition, he says that he will benefit from being able to spend more time closer to home.
“Contrary to some beliefs, being an MP is a 24/7 job,” he added.
“I would spend Monday to Thursday in London and Friday to Sunday back here.
“I would do surgeries here, engagements in the community, and there were issues to discuss as well.
“I’ve dealt with hundreds of constituents over the years and had very positive feedback, but I won’t miss the travel.”