Red Moss is one of only four raised bogs of sphagnum moss surviving in the Lothian region and a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
He first challenged for elected office in 2002 when he came second in a by-election for the Balerno ward of the City of Edinburgh Council, coming second to the Conservatives.
The school stands on the banks of the Water of Leith, and serves children from the areas of Balerno, Kirknewton and Ratho, and also hosts pupils from a variety of areas outside the catchment area such as Currie, East Calder, Mid Calder and Edinburgh.