As chair, I'm allowed to ask one question at the end. I ask every candidate the same thing. “Mr Montague,” I said. “The Leith Waterfront plan has one rule. It's printed on the front page. Every person who works here knows it. Could you tell us what it is?”

James smiled confidently.

“Well, broadly, I'd say it's about growth. Investment. Creating a world-class waterfront that puts Edinburgh on the global map.”

“That's not it,” I said.

He paused.

“Sustainable regeneration?”

“No.”

He flicked through his leather folder. His face was going pink.

“I'm afraid I don't have the exact wording in front of me.”

Dougie answered for him. He didn't even need to look.

“Build it with the people who live here,” said Dougie.

The room was very quiet.

“It's on the front page of the plan,” I said. “It's on the wall in reception. It's painted on the side of crane number four in letters six feet high. You walked under it this morning.”

James looked down at the table.

“Thank you, Mr Montague,” said Fiona. “We'll be in touch.”