PARLIAMENTARY boundaries in Scotland could be set for a shake-up before the next Holyrood election.
Boundaries Scotland has started a review of constituencies and regions following “significant change” to the electorate since the last overhaul in 2010.
The review will cover all 70 mainland constituencies, with the areas of Na h-Eileanan an Iar, Orkney Islands and Shetland all protected in legislation.
However, the regional review – which will look at the list boundaries - will encompass all 73 constituencies.
The overall number of MSPs will remain at 129.
Since the last review, 16 and 17-year-olds have become eligible to vote in elections and Boundaries Scotland says this, combined with significant changes to the population in some areas, makes an assessment necessary.
Even areas that have not experienced population growth or reduction may find that the constituency boundaries alter as a result of change required elsewhere to ensure that all constituencies and regions are of a similar electoral size.
The commission expects to publish provisional proposals for consultation in spring 2023 and a further announcement will be made at that time.
It must then submit a report to Scottish ministers by May 1, 2025. If subsequently approved by the Scottish Parliament, the new boundaries will be effective at the next Scottish Parliament election, expected in May 2026.
