Pirie's first foray into politics was an unsuccessful bid as the Liberal candidate for West Renfrewshire at the 1895 general election. A year later, the resignation of William Hunter led to a by-election for the constituency of Aberdeen North.
Pirie's initial entry into politics was a failed attempt as the Liberal candidate for West Renfrewshire in the 1895 general election. A year later, William Hunter's resignation triggered a by-election for Aberdeen North constituency.