West Lothian communities could be ‘moved’ to North Lanarkshire under boundary plan

West Lothian communities may face being ‘relocated’ to North Lanarkshire as part of a proposed boundary plan, as reported by the Daily Record. A local public inquiry is scheduled to take place in Whitburn early next month, allowing residents in the affected areas to voice their opinions on the potential change.

The communities of Whitburn and Fauldhouse are at the center of the discussion, with proposals suggesting their inclusion in a new parliamentary constituency aligned with North Lanarkshire. This initiative by Boundaries Scotland has raised concerns among locals since its announcement a month ago, prompting the upcoming local public inquiry to gather feedback from the community.

Boundaries Scotland is currently conducting a review of constituency boundaries for the upcoming Holyrood elections in 2026. The proposal to merge these West Lothian communities with an Airdrie constituency in North Lanarkshire has faced criticism from councillors who highlight the lack of existing communal ties between the areas.

Furthermore, the suggested changes would see West Lothian removed from the regional list of Lothians and included in the Central Scotland list, providing voters with a choice of MSPs in the next election. The local inquiry, chaired by Assistant Commissioner Ross, is set to address these boundary adjustments on December 3rd, 2024, at the Whitburn Partnership Centre, with sessions scheduled for 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm.

During a meeting of West Lothian Council last month, concerns were raised by Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick, who argued that the proposed changes disregarded the boundaries of West Lothian and its strong ties with the affected communities. Boundaries Scotland emphasized the importance of local inquiries in areas where objections are raised or additional information is required, indicating a thorough review process ahead.

In conclusion, the potential relocation of West Lothian communities to North Lanarkshire under the boundary plan has sparked debate and opposition among locals and officials alike. The upcoming local inquiry will provide a platform for residents to express their views and concerns, shaping the outcome of this proposed change.

**Insights and Summary:**

The proposed boundary changes involving the relocation of West Lothian communities to North Lanarkshire have raised significant concerns among residents and local officials. The upcoming local public inquiry serves as a crucial opportunity for community members to voice their opinions and influence the decision-making process. This move highlights the importance of considering communal ties and identities when redrawing constituency boundaries, ensuring that the interests and connections of residents are taken into account. The outcome of the inquiry will have a lasting impact on the representation and political landscape of the region in the upcoming Holyrood elections.