North Ayrshire’s parliamentary boundaries could be set for a radical shake-up.
Proposals outlined by the Boundary Commission for Scotland would put Irvine and Kilwinning in a new Westminster constituency called Arran and Cunninghame.
It would take in Irvine, Kilwinning, Stevenston, Saltcoats and Ardrossan, Dalry and Arran.
The plans could see the North Ayrshire and Arran constiuency split into the Arran and Cunninghame area and a new Renfrewshire West seat, which would take in West Kilbride, Kilbirnie, Beith, Largs, Skelmorlie and the Cumbraes.
The proposals would split the current Central Ayrshire constituency between Ayr and Carrick, Kilmarnock, Cumnock and Doon Valley and Arran and Cunninghame.
The revised proposals published this week mark the start of an eight-week consultation.
The UK Parliament has decided to reduce the number of constituencies from 650 to 600. In Scotland this means that 59 constituencies will be reduced to 53.
As set out in legislation, each of the constituencies must not exceed 13,000 square kilometres and be within five per cent of the UK electoral quota of 74,769 (ie have between 71,031 and 78,507 voters). If a constituency is larger than 12,000 square kilometres it can fewer than 71,031 voters.
Lord Matthews, deputy chair of the Boundary Commission for Scotland, said: “After careful consideration of all of the comments received during the consultations on the initial proposals the commission has designed this revised set of constituencies.
“Where the legislation has allowed it we have tried to respond to the views expressed to us. However, in some areas we have been unable to make changes because of the constraints on constituency design within which we work.”
For more information go to www.bcs2018.org.uk or see the commission’s website at www.bcomm-scotland.independent.gov.uk/2018_westminster .
