Views are being sought on proposed constituency and regional boundaries for future Scottish Parliament elections.
Boundaries Scotland launched the latest one-month consultation period for their Second Review of Scottish Parliament boundaries.
The latest proposals would see changes to both the South Scotland and West Scotland regions which include the five Ayrshire constituencies.
Current proposals would see the Cunninghame North and Cunninghame South constituencies – which would include all of North Ayrshire as well as part of East Ayrshire around Stewarton and Dunlop – contained within the West Scotland region.
The other three constituencies – Ayr; Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley; and Kilmarnock and Loudoun – would be contained within the South Scotland region.
No new revisions have been made to the proposed constituency boundaries in Ayrshire following a local inquiry into the proposals held in Kilmarnock in December 2023.
If approved, the proposals would see East Ayrshire split between two regions for the first time since the original boundaries which were used between 1999 and 2011.
Professor Ailsa Henderson, Chair of Boundaries Scotland, said: “We would like to thank everyone who made submissions to the consultation on Revised Proposals. This engagement is a vital part of the review process.
“The consultation covers our Provisional Proposals for regions. These boundaries are drawn by their own rules and we have tried to minimise change as much as possible while acknowledging the necessary rebalancing to reflect movements of the electorate across Scotland.
“Although some change is necessary to achieve regional electoral parity, we have recognised the special geographical considerations that apply in the Highlands and Islands.
“We look forward to receiving submissions to the consultation and encourage the public to share their views.
“All responses will be considered and, as the constituency consultations demonstrate, they lead to important improvements. Submissions are particularly valuable when they offer alternatives that meet the rules as set out in the legislation.
“We look forward to receiving submissions on the Further Proposals as we prepare for the final submission of our recommendations in May 2025.”
To take part in the consultation, visit https://boundaries.scot/resources/news/26-september-2024-second-review-scottish-parliament-boundaries-consultation
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