SMITH LODGES BOUNDARY PROPOSAL OBJECTION

12.00.00am GMT Wed 12th Mar 2008

North East Fife MSP, Iain Smith had lodged his objections with the Boundary Commission over their proposed changes to the Scottish Parliament North East Fife constituency.

In a letter to the Boundary Commission, Mr Smith pointed out that the survey conducted by himself, Sir Menzies Campbell MP and Liberal Democrat local councillor Marilyn Whitehead, in the Lundin Links and Largo area resulted in an overwhelming objection to the proposals.

Further to this, Mr Smith pointed out that, "on a wider review of your proposals I have noted that the suggested East Highland constituency would have an electorate greater than the current North East Fife Constituency, and therefore as it stands must be within the Commission's acceptable range from parity."

ENDS

The full text of the letter to the Boundary Commission for Scotland:

Boundary Commission for Scotland

3 Drumsheugh Gardens

EDINBURGH

EH3 7QL

12th March 2008

Dear Sir or Madam,

PROPOSED BOUNDARY CHANGE TO NORTH EAST FIFE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT CONSTITUENCY

I am writing to submit my personal objections to the proposed changes of the Scottish Parliament constituency for North East Fife and to support the submission by North East and Central Fife Liberal Democrats, which I enclose for your immediate attention.

Largo and Lundin Links are historically part of the East Neuk of Fife, and as such naturally and traditionally identify with the coastal and rural communities of North East Fife, rather than the urban community of Glenrothes.

Since your proposals were published I have received many representations from constituents who reside in the Lundin Links and Largo area of North East Fife, objecting to the proposition of being moved into a Mid Fife and Glenrothes Scottish Parliament constituency. I have also, together with Sir Menzies Campbell MP and Councillor Marilyn Whitehead, conducted my own survey in the area on this proposal effect and have concluded there is overwhelming objection to this proposal. I am very sure that you will have received direct representations from these communities echoing this sentiment.

Furthermore, I wish to point out that on a wider review of your proposals I have noted that the suggested East Highland constituency would have an electorate greater than the current North East Fife Constituency, and therefore as it stands must be within the Commission's acceptable range from parity.

Finally, I wish to take issue with the proposed constituency name change to North and East Fife. I feel that the superfluous "and" should be removed resulting in the retention of the current, traditional name which identifies a clear and understood geographic area and a community.

Yours Sincerely,

Iain Smith MSP

Scottish Liberal Democrat, North East Fife