In 2010, Jim McGovern was returned as the MP for Dundee West with a majority of 7,278.
His successful re-election marked 60 years of Labour dominance in the seat, which had remained red since its creation in 1950.
Fast forward five years and things looked very different.
McGovern was not standing again following health issues but no candidate wearing a rosette with a rose at its centre could have stopped the SNP juggernaut in what was by then Scotland’s Yes City.
As such, 6ft 6in tall Chris Law took his ponytail, beard, and a 17,092 majority of his own, to Westminster.
It has been an eventful couple of years for the man who made his name driving a converted fire engine around Scotland in the run up to the 2014 independence referendum.
It started with him at the centre of a short-lived fight over Labour stalwart Dennis Skinner’s seat, before Law joined the Scottish Affairs Committee, won a battle to have a direct Dundee-Amsterdam flight route set up only to see it axed after six months, and was cleared of any wrongdoing following a four-month police investigation into his financial dealings.
Make no mistake about it, the seat is just about as safe as they come for the SNP this year, despite its longstanding Labour traditions.
The big man will get another chance to try and make a big impression after June 8.
The candidates
Jenny Blain (Liberal Democrats)
“Born and raised in Dundee, I’ve lived in Edinburgh, Atlantic Canada, and parts of England. I’ve taught maths and sociology, social research and social theory.
“Varied, eh? I’ve seen equality and inequality, and now back home in Dundee want to be a voice for my key passions of equality, fairness and environment.
“Dundee’s key overseas exports are to the EU. Lib Dems support Dundee within Scotland, connected to Britain and with strong historic trading links to Europe. Our EU connections matter for our jobs today.
“Liberal Democrats defend an open, tolerant Britain. We oppose Theresa May’s extreme Brexit and we insist that you get the chance to have the final say on whatever deal emerges.”
Darren Cormack (Conservatives)
“I will be making it clear during this election campaign that Dundee West deserves better than the SNP representing them at Westminster.
“The area needs a Member of Parliament that works for a better country in which to live and work, ensuring economic stability for generations to come.
“The Scottish Conservatives are the only party that can be trusted to oppose the SNP’s continued drive for independence at any cost.
“Instead of pursuing that narrow goal, I will be standing up at Westminster and fighting for what really matters – investment and jobs for Dundee West and a positive future for its people.”
Alan Cowan (Labour)
“This election is about kicking out the Tories. If you are struggling to pay your bills that is because of the Tory economy.
“Tories only care about the rich. The only way to kick out the Tories is to vote Labour in Dundee.
“Our Labour Government, under Jeremy Corbyn, will stand up for Dundee. We will end Tory austerity, provide secure jobs and new homes. Labour will deliver a government for the many, not the few.
“You can be part of something bigger by voting Labour on June 8.”
Sean Dobson (Independent)
“I am standing because I believe we should live in an independent democracy. To secure that, we need to leave the European Union.
“I support the Brexit process. My promise to you is that, if elected, I will support all measures to withdraw Britain from the European Union and ensure that British laws govern our country.
“The choice for ourselves in Scotland is simple. Do we wish to be part of an independent, democratic Britain or do we want to be part of a federalist European state which dictates our way of life?”
Chris Law (SNP)
“Dundee West needs a strong SNP voice at Westminster is more than ever.
“We can’t let the Tories just carry on with more cuts and austerity and their onslaught on the most vulnerable. Now more than ever we need strong voice to stand up against them.
“They think they will get away with their onslaught on the most vulnerable. The number of people using foodbanks alone should be enough to make them ashamed.
“At this election we need to get the strongest possible voice for Dundee West and for Scotland and that means voting SNP.”
