West Lothian Council objects to Holyrood boundary changes that 'disregard local identities'

A Scottish council has objected to Holyrood boundary changes that they say would “disregard local identities”.

West Lothian Council has objected to the changes which would see Whitburn and Fauldhouse removed from the county and put in with Airdrie – 14 miles west – in North Lanarkshire.

The same proposed changes would see West Lothian removed from the Lothian’s regional list and into a Central Scotland list for a choice of MSPs in the 2026 election.

Boundaries Scotland is undertaking the Second Review of Scottish Parliament boundaries and is consulting on revised constituency proposals and proposals for regions.

A motion from council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick said the proposals contravened two of the four rules laid down governing boundary changes.

He told a meeting of the Executive: “This proposal disregards the boundaries of West Lothian and very strong existing ties with these communities.

“By splitting two West Lothian Council wards between Airdrie and the other constituencies the proposals conflict with the fact that regard must be had to the boundaries and rule four they disregard local identities, links and ties with local communities.

“I think we all agree Fauldhouse and Whitburn have strong links to the rest of West Lothian. In terms of work education People from these communities are more likely to commute to and work in Livingston, Bathgate and Edinburgh.”

Children from Longridge and Stoneyburn go to Whitburn Academy or St Kentigern’s in Blackburn.

Removal of the two communities would also clash with existing boundaries within police and fire divisions as well as different Health Board area.

“A third rule three allows us to depart from the strict applications of the others.”

Councillor Fitzpatrick said that West Lothian had very strong links to other regions within the Lothians, much more than to communities to the west in North Lanarkshire Council area.

The motion was passed without objection.

If changes are made, to the provisional proposals for regions or the further proposals for constituencies, another one-month consultation will be held.

Boundaries Scotland will submit a report to Scottish Ministers by May 1, 2025.

If subsequently approved, the new boundaries will be effective at the next Scottish Parliament election, scheduled for May 2026.