The committee was set up under the Transport (Scotland) Act 2001 to advise Scottish ministers on the barriers and challenges for disabled people in relation to transport.

While supported by Transport Scotland, the committee offers its views independently of government and it is expected to reflect the views of disabled people and organisations representing disabled people, however, it works also independently of those individuals and organisations.

Miss Barile, who has been appointed along with writer Elliot Cooper and councillor Lesley Macinnes, graduated from the University of Dundee with an LLB and diploma.

After qualifying as a solicitor, she worked in private practice for 10 years, specialising in mental health law, before becoming a children’s reporter for the Scottish Children’s Reporter’s Administration where she is an active member of the disability group.

Miss Barile grew up in a family with physical disabilities and she is passionate about protecting and promoting the rights of disabled people.