Explainer: Boundaries Scotland and Scottish Parliament boundaries | Scottish Parliament

Explainer: Boundaries Scotland and Scottish Parliament boundaries

Author: Damon Davies

PDF Published: Wednesday 15 Jul 2026 (SB 26-44)

Flowchart showing the process for implementing Scottish Parliament constituency and region boundary changes. Boundaries Scotland completes a review and submits a final report with recommendations to Scottish Ministers. Ministers lay the report and a draft Order in Council before the Scottish Parliament. Parliament decides whether to approve the draft Order. If approved, the Order is sent for Royal approval and the new boundaries come into effect at the next election. If not approved, Ministers may make minor technical amendments and resubmit the draft Order to the Parliament. The Parliament then decides whether to approve the amended draft Order. If approved, it proceeds for Royal approval and implementation. If rejected or withdrawn, Ministers must ask Boundaries Scotland to review the proposed alterations and produce a further draft Order. The Parliament considers the further amended draft Order. If approved, the new boundaries are implemented. If not approved, Ministers must request a further full review by Boundaries Scotland, restarting the process.

Image: Figure 1: Approval process for constituency boundary reviews

Last Updated: 15/7 3:59pm

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