A PETITION has been launched by the SNP to save Leith from being “wiped” from the electoral map.
The Boundaries Scotland has proposed splitting the existing Edinburgh North and Leith constituency in Holyrood elections in two and creating a new seat including Leith.
However, the proposed name for the new constituency is “Edinburgh North Eastern”.
The change would mean that Leith would no longer feature in the name of any Scottish Parliament constituency.
In response, Ben Macpherson, the SNP MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith, has called on the Scottish Boundary Commission to add the name of the historic neighbourhood back into the official constituency title.
READ MORE: Scottish chip shop owner reacts to Liz Truss naming it her 'favourite'
“In its current review, Boundaries Scotland’s revised proposals would split my current Edinburgh Northern and Leith Constituency across two new constituencies - Edinburgh Northern and Edinburgh North Eastern,” he said.
“Dropping ‘Leith’ as a description is a mistake and it should be added back into the name for the constituency that would include Leith.
“Leith’s distinct identity and history matters. I encourage Leithers to help feed this message back to those considering these Scottish Parliament boundary changes.
“Please support the petition, respond to the consultation, and encourage others to do so too.”
Macpherson has been joined by SNP MP Deirdre Brock in calling for Leith to remain on the electoral map.
“I don't know what Boundary Scotland were thinking,” she said.
“But they will have to think again about wiping Leith from the electoral map at Holyrood.
“Leith has always been a distinct, diverse community with a rich history and heritage of its own – we must make sure this remains the case for future generations.
“Previous attempts to absorb Leith into Edinburgh have never gone down well.
“I expect the community will stand together again to protect Leith's unique identity, and I'll be right there with them.
“I will be making my objections clear and urge others to do the same.
READ MORE: Scotland to get 'all modes of public transport' ticket system
While Leith is now considered a part of Edinburgh this was not always the case.
Indeed, the area maintained a distinct political identity from Edinburgh until 1920 when it was officially merged with Edinburgh.
This was despite a plebiscite vote where Leithers voted overwhelmingly against the merger.
In more recent times it has become known for inspiring the art of famous Leithers such as The Proclaimers and Irvine Welsh – with the duo’s song Sunshine on Leith and Welsh’s breakthrough novel Trainspotting all heavily indebted to the area’s distinct character.
Edinburgh Trams officially opened the extension to Leith in 2023.
“It’s ridiculous that the boundary commission are proposing to remove Leith from the name of the constituency again,” said SNP councillor for Leith, Adam Nols-Mcvey.
“People in Leith are rightly proud, and we’ve already seen a strong reaction from people in discussions we’ve had locally.
“We’ve seen this and successfully fought it off before and I’m confident we will manage to do the same again this time.”
The party's petition can be petition to safeguard Leith on the electoral map can be found here.
Last year, Time Out named Leith as one of the "coolest" neighbourhoods in the world.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel