MSP FOR RENFREWSHIRE NORTH AND WEST SHARES HER CONCERNS
Since September 2022, Boundaries Scotland have been carrying out the Second Review of Scottish Parliament Boundaries. The Review is required by the Scotland Act 1998 and the report containing the recommendations by Boundaries Scotland must be submitted to Scottish Ministers by 1 May 2025.
It aims to ensure fair and effective representation across Scotland, guided by legal requirements, population changes, and the need to maintain clear and logical constituency and regional boundaries. If the final proposals are approved by the Scottish Parliament, the new boundaries will be effective at the next Scottish Parliament election, expected in May 2026.
The Review contains proposed changes to the current Renfrewshire North and West constituency, including significant boundary adjustments. Parts of this constituency including Erskine, Renfrew, Bishopton and Inchinnan, are being proposed to be reallocated to a new "Erskine, Renfrew and Cardonald" constituency.
This new seat would merge these areas with portions with Cardonald, which was previously part of Glasgow Pollok, creating a cross-boundary constituency that stretches between Renfrewshire and Glasgow.
There are also proposed changes to the regions which would see the new "Erskine, Renfrew and Cardonald" constituency moving out of the West of Scotland region and into the Glasgow region.
Some residents have expressed concern about the potential loss of representation that reflects their local needs. While Cardonald aligns more closely with Glasgow, towns like Erskine and the villages of Bishopton and Inchinnan are seen as suburban and distinct, raising questions about how effectively such a cross-boundary constituency would serve its constituents.
Following consultation feedback, which included concerns raised by the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, and an objection from Renfrewshire Council, Boundaries Scotland has agreed to hold a Local Inquiry in Paisley on 28 November 2024 at the Courtyard Glasgow Airport Hotel. Two sessions will be held, with the first starting at 2pm until 4pm and the second at 6pm until 8pm.
The Paisley Local Inquiry concerns proposed boundaries for the Scottish Parliament regions of Glasgow and West Scotland and the constituencies of Erskine, Renfrew and Cardonald; and Renfrewshire West.
MSP FOR RENFREWSHIRE NORTH AND WEST SHARES HER CONCERNS
As the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, I have raised various concerns about the proposals for both the constituency boundaries and the regional boundaries.
Commenting on the proposals, Natalie Don-Innes MSP said:
“As the MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, I have raised various concerns about the proposals for both the constituency boundaries and the regional boundaries.
“I have concerns regarding the proposed Erskine, Renfrew, and Cardonald constituency, I have suggested renaming it Renfrewshire North and Cardonald as the proposed name overlooks the villages of Bishopton and Inchinnan, making them the only areas within the constituency not explicitly referenced. I believe that renaming it would more accurately represent all communities within the constituency.
“In my response to the first consultation, I previously highlighted the strong connections between Bishopton and Erskine, such as shared school catchment areas and other local ties – these same factors apply to Langbank, which is currently proposed to be part of the Renfrewshire West constituency.
“Secondary school students from Langbank typically attend Park Mains High School or Trinity High School, both located in the proposed Erskine, Renfrew, and Cardonald constituency. For consistency and to reflect these local connections, I have recommended that Langbank be included within the revised Erskine, Renfrew, and Cardonald constituency as well.
“Regarding the regional boundaries, I am strongly opposed to the proposal to put the Erskine, Renfrew, and Cardonald constituency within the Glasgow Region.
“Renfrew is a historic royal burgh and has always been distinct from Glasgow. Similarly, Erskine and Bishopton lack similar historic and economical connections with the Glasgow Region. The proposals group a part of Glasgow with Renfrew, the constituency remains predominantly tied to Renfrewshire and should stay within the West of Scotland Region.
“Additionally, the proposals conflict with the commission's own rules, which state that constituencies must be fully contained within one electoral region. Under this plan, the Renfrew South and Gallowhill ward would be split, placing parts of it in different regions (West of Scotland and Glasgow), resulting in voters having two constituency MSPs, which undermines clarity and cohesion.
“Renfrewshire plays a central role in the West of Scotland Region, maintaining strong partnerships with East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde, and under the proposals, these collaborations, risk being weakened. For these reasons, I have strongly urged that the Erskine, Renfrew, and Cardonald constituency remain in the West of Scotland Region.
“I would also encourage any constituents with concerns about any of the proposals to share their views at the inquiry on 28th November”.
Anyone wishing to speak at either inquiry is invited to contact Boundaries Scotland on 0131 244 2001 or email boundaries.scot@scottishboundaries.gov.uk to book a slot.
Further information about the review and this local inquiry is available at www.boundaries.scot/reviews/second-review-scottish-parliament-boundaries
Responses to the earlier consultations can be viewed on the consultation site: https://consult.boundaries.scot/reviews/sp_constituencies_revised_proposals/