A proposed new Deeside constituency may not include the region’s biggest town under plans to shake-up the UK’s political landscape.
Banchory could form part of a new political boundary grouping up parts of south Aberdeenshire with Angus – named the Kincardine and Angus East region.
Local politicians have been left angered by the Boundary Commission for Scotland’s proposed changes, which would involve West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine merging with Gordon to form the Gordon and Deeside constituency.
Neighbouring communities including Aboyne, Ballater and Braemar would form part of the Deeside and Gordon area.
Under the recently launched review of UK Parliament constituencies plans, the number of politicians across the UK will be cut from 650 to 600.
Within Scotland, this will mean 59 constituencies being reduced to 53.
Conservative Aberdeenshire West MSP, Alexander Burnett, is supporting the Keep Banchory in Deeside campaign – which aims to relocate the town within the planned Gordon and Deeside constituency.
Mr Burnett said: “I think the vast majority of residents would agree that Banchory cannot be removed from Deeside.
“There are long historic links, not to mention similarities in terms of the issues facing the region. I think people in Banchory feel connected to those in neighbouring towns.
“I would urge anyone locally who feels strongly about this to support the campaign and make their voices heard.
“To separate Banchory from other Aberdeenshire settlements of Aboyne, Braemar and Ballater simply does not add up, and I hope that common sense will prevail.”
And last night current MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, the SNP’s Stuart Donaldson, said the UK Government should instead focus on reforming the House of Lords.
He added: “I am obviously in favour of the campaign. I think it is nonsense that Banchory is being split off from the rest of Deeside.
“In my opinion it highlights the nonsensical nature of the boundary change and reducing the number of MPs from 600 to 650.
“You are going to see parts of the Highlands where constituencies are the size of Belgium. How are MPs supposed to represent these constituencies properly?
“The UK Government is talking about reducing the number of politicians whilst increasing the number of lords. If they really were serious about reducing the cost of politics, they’d do something about the House of Lords. These are people not elected.”
A public consultation into the changes will run until January, and the proposals could be revised next year.
A final report on the changes will go to the secretary of state for Scotland in September 2018.
