The SNP’s Joe FitzPatrick said that addressing child inequality was top of his manifesto as he cruised to victory in Dundee City West, with an increased overall majority.
Mr FitzPatrick garnered 16,070 votes — a 57.8% share — which is an increase of 0.2% compared to 2011.
The 51.6% of the electorate that turned out was an increase from 45.8% in 2011.
Discussing his third election victory in the city, Mr FitzPatrick said: “I’m really honoured to have been re-elected in Dundee City West with an increased majority and an increased turnout — a huge thank you to the people of Dundee City West.
“Clearly we want to keep delivering for Dundee and Scotland to make them better.
“This is about moving Scotland forward, and the people placing their faith in Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister to govern here.
“This government will continue addressing inequality and making sure that every child, no matter where they are born, has the same opportunities in life — the same chance to go to university and the same chance to serve apprenticeships.
“That’s the priority for Dundee and for the rest of Scotland.
“The campaign’s been really exciting; we’ve now got more members in Dundee than we’ve ever had before, so that’s a huge team.
“I would like to thank them all for working so hard.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour’s Jenny Marra was in second place, polling 7,242 votes — receiving the backing of just over a quarter of voters.
However, she was re-elected to Holyrood as a regional MSP for North East Scotland.
She said: “I was really pleased with the campaign we ran because I think we talked about important issues in Dundee.
“We talked about bringing jobs to the port from the oil and gas industry decommissioning — I think that’s something the people in this city really want and deserve.
“We talked about the disgraceful teacher shortages in our schools and doctor shortages in our surgeries. If the SNP get a majority government, these need to be urgent priorities for both of the SNP MSPs in Dundee.”
After she was voted onto the regional list, Ms Marra added: “I see it as my job to stand up for issues that affect communities in this city.
“And if that is holding the Government to account then that is what I will do every day.”
The biggest gain in Dundee City West was for the Tories.