Boundary changes slammed by public

‘A REDUCTION in MPs will have a direct impact on the population of Lochaber.’

That was the message from the Kilmallie Community Council’s public consultation on boundary changes.

Under the current proposals, Lochaber would be split, with Corpach, Tomonie and Banavie in the new Inverness and Skye constituency, while Fort William, Inverlochy, Caol, Camaghael, Glenfinnan and Mallaig would become part of the Argyll, Bute and Lochaber constituency.

A spokesperson for the community council said: ‘Communities would be severed with no regard to heritage, customs, tradition or, for that matter, common sense.

‘Personal contact with your MP is likely to become more difficult due to the distances and difficulty of moving around the constituency, particularly in the winter. Remote government is likely to become remoter.’

More than 30 people attended the event, with almost all were unhappy with the plans.

‘How much will this cost? Does this leave us on the periphery again? Has anyone involved in these proposals actually visited the area?’ were just some of the concerns raised at the meeting.

The major point of concern was that the area from Fort William to Corpach would have different MPs.

There was also concern that much of Lochaber, including Kilmallie, would no longer be within a constituency with Lochaber in its name.

Kilmallie Community Council is urging voters to contact the Boundary Commission Scotland and contribute to the discussion on these proposals. Submissions must be received by January 11.

Comments can be made at the consultation portal at www. bcs2018.org.uk. Alternatively by email to comments@scottishboundaries.gov.uk or write to Boundary Commission Scotland, Thistle House, 91 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh, EH12 5HD.