Parts of Edinburgh could be lumped in with West Lothian in the next Scottish Parliament if proposed boundary changes go ahead.
Under the proposed plans West Lothian could have three constituencies instead of two, while concerns have been raised over the welding of areas currently covered by City of Edinburgh council to the county.
At the moment the county is split between Linlithgow constituency, where Fiona Hyslop has been MSP since 2011 and the Almond Valley constituency held by Angela Constance since 2011.
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New boundaries being considered recognise the growing population in the east of the county around East Calder and Winchburgh.
The three constituencies planned are:
The new constituency Edinburgh, Forth and Linlithgow, with an electorate 55,866 will comprise ward 1 Linlithgow, ward 2 Broxburn, Uphall and Winchburgh and part of the existing Edinburgh council ward 1, Almond.
Bathgate and Almond Valley, with an electorate of 61,257. This will comprise of council ward 6; Fauldhouse and the Breich Valley. Ward 7; Whitburn and Blackburn. Ward 8; Bathgate and ward 9, Armadale and Blackridge.
A new Livingston ward with an electorate 56,009 comprised of ward 3 Livingston North, ward 4 Livingston South and ward 5 East Livingston and East Calder.
A report before the Council Executive said: “The review of constituencies covers the 70 mainland constituencies as three island constituencies are protected in legislation.
"The aim of the review is to recommend constituencies, and regions, of similar electorate size while also taking account of local authority areas, special geographical circumstances, maintenance of local ties and any inconveniences caused by the alteration of the existing boundaries.”
Caroline Burton from the Chief Executive’s office told councillors: “The proposals were considered at the meeting of the Corporate Policy and Resources PDSP on 7 June 2023.
“Concerns were raised about a constituency spread over two council areas and what historical electoral links exist between the areas of West Lothian and Edinburgh in the joint constituency.”
Boundaries Scotland is undertaking what is the second Review of Scottish Parliament boundaries and is consulting on its initial constituency proposals. Following consideration of the responses to the provisional proposals over the summer, Boundaries Scotland will consider if local inquiries are required.
If they are, these will be held in Summer/Autumn 2023.
The finalised proposals will go to the Scottish Parliament in 2025.
The Executive agreed to note the paper.
