West Lothian Council has opposed proposed boundary changes for the upcoming Holyrood election, which would result in the relocation of Whitburn and Fauldhouse neighbourhoods from the county to Airdrie in North Lanarkshire. The adjustments would also move West Lothian from the Lothians regional list to a Central Scotland list for the selection of MSPs in the 2026 election.
The Second Review of Scottish Parliament boundaries being conducted by Boundaries Scotland includes consultations on revised constituency and regional proposals. Council leader Lawrence Fitzpatrick expressed concern that the proposed changes overlooked existing ties between the communities and disregarded local identities. He highlighted the strong links Whitburn and Fauldhouse have with West Lothian, where residents often commute to towns like Livingston, Bathgate, and Edinburgh for work and education.
The relocation of these neighbourhoods would not only disrupt existing boundaries within police, fire divisions, and health board areas but also go against the principle of considering local connections. Councillor Fitzpatrick emphasised that West Lothian shares stronger connections with other regions within the Lothians than with communities in North Lanarkshire.
The motion to challenge the proposed boundary changes was unanimously passed, with the provision for another consultation if further adjustments are made. Boundaries Scotland is set to submit a report to Scottish Ministers by May 1, 2025, with approved changes expected to be implemented for the May 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Should the proposed changes come into effect, Whitburn and Fauldhouse could find themselves part of a different constituency, raising concerns about community ties, local identities, and practical considerations like commute patterns. The decision to contest the boundary changes reflects West Lothian Council’s commitment to preserving the integrity and cohesion of its communities amidst evolving electoral landscapes.