Boundary changes for constituencies are unworkable

It is difficult not to have sympathy for the points expressed by MP Ian Blackford regarding the proposed changes put forward by the Boundary Commission to redraw the constituencies of the Highlands and Islands.

The Member of Parliament for Ross, Skye and Lochaber has submitted objections to the plans, which would see a reduction in the number of constituencies from four to three.

The changes, which require the backing of MPs and peers to come into effect, would see Fort William and Ardnamurchan join Argyll and Bute to form a new constituency called Argyll, Bute and South West Highlands, while Spean Bridge, Glenfinnan and Mallaig would merge with Skye, Badenoch and Inverness to form a new Highland Central constituency.

This is simply a numbers game for the Boundary Commission, which is attempting to create parliamentary areas which all have similar populations.

The very obvious shortcoming with this approach is that it pays no heed to the history, geography or topography of this part of Scotland.

The reality is that the two constituencies mentioned cover vast swathes of territory and include many islands. In factual terms, these constituencies would become virtually unmanageable for whomever is elected in them.

This is not a political issue but one of basic practicality, and the Boundary Commission should reconsider its proposals.