West Lothian Council objects to boundary change plan to put Fauldhouse and Whitburn in Airdrie constituency

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

The proposal would transfer Fauldhouse and Whitburn into the Airdrie constituency | supplied

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 governing boundary  changes.

He told a meeting of the council’s 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 4 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 for police and fire divisions as well as health board areas.

Councillor  Fitzpatrick said that  West Lothian had very strong links to other places 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 1 May 2025. If subsequently approved, the new boundaries will be effective at the next Scottish Parliament election, scheduled for May 2026.