Barclay said: "Change is always a good thing and when I spoke to Simon Easterby and Mark Jones I realised this was an environment I'd really like to be a part of. I've always found it hard playing against the Scarlets and was attracted by the style of rugby they play.
"So when the opportunity came up, I was delighted to secure a contract here and be part of such a rugby crazy place - with such a strong sense of tradition and heritage which I have a huge amount of respect for."
The 41-capped back rower had shoulder surgery this summer to clear up a former injury and says the operation went well and he is on target for a return to action in the early part of the Scarlets season.
He said: "It's all gone well and feeling good with everything on target. I had a tough year last year and missed the Six Nations with a torn hamstring and it was also frustrating to miss the summer tour; but now a change of scenery and a move to an ambitious new region will be great for me as a player.
"It's going to be good for me to work with different coaches, get different ideas and I really think it's going to invigorate me as a player.
"It's a great environment here at Parc y Scarlets from the facilities to the atmosphere in the squad and while I'm not training with the team right now, you can see how much hard work goes in from the players and how committed and passionate they are about Scarlets Rugby.
"I've played against the guys there and they are a dedicated group - you see it in the training and how they are in the gym; there are so many guys here that are full of potential.
"There may be plenty of younger players at Parc y Scalrets but that's healthy when you see what ambition and real potential they have."
On what he believes he can bring to the Scarlets, Barclay said he'll work hard on developing his game further and hopes that being part of the squad he can offer his experience
"I have based a lot of my game around defensive stuff as most opensides do; there's some exceptional talent in this Scarlets squad and it was one of the reasons I came here really because I think that being within this environment, I'll develop my game further
"What strikes me talking to some of the senior players like Ken (Owens) and Rhys (Priestland) is that they are very proud of the club and are determined to make it a successful one
As for the Lions campaign, Barclay said the Welsh players should be rightly proud of their contribution to the Tour victory
"Wales is a pretty rugby mad place and I am sure down here it's been a source of pride for all the Scarlets supporters to see Jon Davies become one of the players of the series - it's got to be great for this region and for all his family and local community in West Wales.
Barclay, who became a Dad for the first time this summer to now seven-week old baby son, Finlay, said he and his wife had settled in very well
He said: "I spoke to Sean (Lamont) and his wife spoke with mine and they loved it down here and had a young family here too; so we're really enjoying our time here so far and I'm very enthused by this opportunity and looking forward to next season."
Guinness PRO12 Scarlets News
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