However, prior to devolution on July 1 1999, this was the reality faced by Scots with the UK Government having complete control over the decision-making process.

Since then, the Scottish Government has been able to take important decisions in a variety of devolved areas such as education and health.

To mark the 15th anniversary of devolution last week, Lord McFall, who served as MP for the area for 23 years, and Lord Wallace, one of the key figures in the early years of the parliament, visited Dumbarton.

Last Monday (June 30), the pair visited Dumbarton Credit Union, Lomondgate, the BBC’s River City studios and the Polaroid factory.

They also took time out of their day to stop by the Reporter office to talk to us about the impact the Scottish Parliament and devolution have had on the people of Dumbarton and the Vale.

Lord Wallace, who served as deputy first minister from 1999-2005, told the Reporter: “We thought it would be good to actually go out and meet people and reflect on the success of the parliament and the fact there have been great advantages for Scotland. “It’s important we remind people, who I think take it for granted now, that we didn’t always have it this way. I gave a talk to students at Aberdeen University recently and someone had to remind me before I went out that most of the people I would be talking to probably wouldn’t be old enough to remember before devolution.” Lord McFall, who stepped down as MP in 2010 and is a former chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, credits devolution with some of the most positive progress in the area.

He said: “Without the Scottish Parliament, we wouldn’t have had the National Park, the end of tolls on the Erskine Bridge or the development of the college at Clydebank — these were all Scottish Parliament initiatives.

“In terms of how things have moved on from when I was a member of parliament, I think the focus is still on economic development and pursuing inward investment.

“From Lomondgate to Clydebank waterfront, these are issues that are happening right now and I wish everyone involved the best success in getting them developed.”