Linlithgow to stay put in the Lothians

PLANS to move Linlithgow out of the Lothians region for next year's Scottish Parliament elections have been dropped after protests.

The Boundary Commission for Scotland (BCS) wanted to transfer it to a new East Central Scotland region for the top-up list vote.

But revised proposals published by the commission today put Linlithgow back into the Lothians.

An inquiry into the new boundaries received representations from West Lothian Council and many individuals arguing that Linlithgow belonged more naturally in the Lothians region.

East Lothian, which is currently in South of Scotland region and had been due to be switched to the Lothians, will now stay in South of Scotland, along with the new constituency of Midlothian South, Tweeddale & Lauderdale

The Lothians region will consist of the five Edinburgh seats, the new Midlothian North & Musselburgh constituency, Linlithgow and Livingston, renamed Almond Valley.

The proposals are now open for comment from the public. E-mail [email protected] or write to BCS, 3 Drumsheugh Gardens EH3 7QJ. The deadline is 7 February.