I’M writing to express my concern about the proposed boundary changes which would create a single North Highlands Westminster parliamentary constituency for mainland Scotland north of Inverness.
This vast area has few roads, many of which are single track; fewer railways; no internal air links; and often poor broadband connections. The MP for this unmanageable area will be unable to have much effective contact with his or her constituents, as it takes the best part of the day to drive from one end of it to the other.
Quite rightly, the integrity of the nearby Na h-Eileanan an Iar and Orkney and Shetland constituencies is protected in law. Similar recognition should be given to Caithness, Sutherland, and Easter and Wester Ross, which these proposals do not deliver. Many of these considerations also apply to the proposed Highland South and Argyll, Bute and Lochaber constituencies.
Readers who wish to so do can participate in the Scottish Boundary Commission consultation at www.bcs2018. org.uk, or by email at bcs@scottishboundaries.gov.uk, by December 11.
Cathie Lloyd
Loch Broom
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