BOUNDARIES: Growing opposition to changes in the Dumbarton constituency

Boundaries Scotland says it will hold a local inquiry into proposals that would see major changes in Dumbarton constituency, and Clydebank split in two when it comes to elections.

The northern part has been earmarked to join a Dumbarton and Helensburgh constituency and Clydebank North joining a new Bearsden, Milngavie and Clydebank boundary.

The Commission agreed to hold a local inquiry in Clydebank due to a large number of responses opposing the division of Clydebank between two constituencies.

And there is growing opposition to changes in the Dumbarton constituency which would see mainly rural areas, including Lomond dropping out.

Now, the inquiry into the proposals – which have been criticised by Dame Jackie Baillie MSPs and Marie McNair – will be held at Clydebank Leisure Centre on Wednesday, December 13 across two sessions.

It will be chaired by Sean Murphy KC, Sheriff Principal of North Strathclyde and will provide an opportunity for Councils, elected representatives and local people to put their views forward.

Professor Ailsa Henderson, the chair of Boundaries Scotland, said: “Our consultations are strengthened by local people and organisations contributing their views.

“Whether you support or oppose our provisional proposals for the constituencies in your area we very much want to hear from you.

“Responses are particularly helpful when they include specific suggestions for improvements and if they comply with the legislative rules within which we work.

“They are an important part of the review process. If we subsequently change our proposals in any area we will consult again in 2024.”

A consultation on the Boundaries Scotland plans was held in May and June.

Scottish Politician of the Year, Dame Jackie Baillie, said today: “I welcome the inquiry into the proposed changes to Dumbarton constituency.

“The communities of Lomond, which include Luss, Tarbet, Arrochar, Cove, Kilcreggan, Rhu and Garelochhead have had a long association with Helensburgh and with Dumbarton going back over decades. It doesn’t make any sense to split them up.

“We share many services including the Vale of Leven Hospital, schools and transport links.

Vale of Leven Hospital serves all the communities

“I look forward to making the case to keep Helensburgh & Lomond together and continuing as an integral part of the Dumbarton constituency.”

When the proposals were made public, Marie McNair said: “As someone who has represented the Clydebank area for many years I am very concerned about these proposals.  The proposals are bizarre and disrespectful to the history of our town.

“Clydebank is a distinct community and it would be unacceptable to go ahead with these plans to cut it in half.  As they currently stand, these proposals would damage long-existing community relationships and harm the ongoing efforts to regenerate Clydebank.

“Clydebank residents have tolerated ever-increasing services being taken from our town and transferred to Dumbarton, but the notion that half our town transfer there to is crass and insulting.”

Anyone who wishes to speak at the inquiry is invited to register by emailing boundaries.scot@scottishboundaries.gov.uk or telephoning 0131 244 2001.

The Clydebank Leisure Centre meetings will take place on December 13 from 2 pm until 4 pm and again from 6 pm to 8 pm.  Information about the Local Inquiry is being made available in council offices and libraries and is also available on the Commission’s website at www.boundaries.scot.

Top picture: Lovely Loch Lomondside in danger of being moved into Argyll and Bute constituency.