Process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland: consultation

Current process in Scotland

Boundaries Scotland have a duty to review Scottish Parliament constituency and regional electoral boundaries every 8 to 12 years. The most recent review of this kind was submitted to Scottish Ministers on 1 May 2025. Boundaries Scotland submitted their report on the fifth review of local government electoral arrangements (ward boundaries and councillor numbers) in 2016. At this time Scottish Ministers alone were able to decide whether the proposed changes were to be implemented or not, and some reviews were rejected. Boundaries Scotland also completed a review of six island or island-mainland councils in 2021. Since the passing of the Scottish Elections (Reform) Act 2020, boundary proposals have been considered and voted on by the Scottish Parliament, and some reviews have also been rejected under this process. Reviews of local government electoral arrangements must be conducted every 15 years.

In conducting their reviews, Boundaries Scotland make initial proposals for Scottish Parliament boundaries which are then subject to a public consultation. For reviews of wards and councillor numbers, Boundaries Scotland initially must consult with local councils for a 2-month period before holding a public consultation.

For Scottish Parliament constituency and region reviews, further rounds of public consultation are held if any changes are made to the proposals in the light of the responses to the initial consultation. Local inquiries are held if Boundaries Scotland so chooses, or if local councils or a body of at least 100 electors (500 for regions) request one. Local inquiries are meetings chaired by an independent figure, often a judge/Sheriff Principal, and allow people to put their views forward on changes in a specific area. A summary of the issued raised is then prepared by the chair of the inquiry.

Following completion of their review, Boundaries Scotland submit a report with their final recommendations to Scottish Ministers, who are required to lay legislation in Parliament which gives effect to the final recommendations. Parliamentary committees then consider the recommendations and can take evidence from relevant groups or people on the changes. If the legislation is supported by the relevant committee, it is subject to a vote in Parliament by all MSPs. This process is referred to as the ‘affirmative procedure’. If the vote passes, the proposals become law and the proposed boundaries are changed.

The membership of Boundaries Scotland consists of a Chair, Deputy Chair, and up to four other Commissioners. All members are appointed by Scottish Ministers through a public appointments process, which is overseen by the Ethical Standards Commissioner. Members serve four-year terms in their posts, which can be renewed one time (eight years maximum).