CLACKMANNANSHIRE and Dunfermline could join to form a new constituency, if revised proposals from the Boundary Commission for Scotland are taken forward.

Legislation from Westminster has dictated a reduction in the number of UK MPs from 650 to 600, with Scottish representatives due to go from 59 to 53.

As a result, the electoral map of Scotland is due to be re-drawn for what is the second time in recent memory.

As previously reported by the Advertiser towards the end of last year, the Boundary Commission had suggested combining the county with parts of Stirling.

This would have seen the creation of a new Clackmannanshire and Stirling North constituency, stretching from Muckhart all the way to Killin, Tyndrum and Crianlarich in the Trossachs.

However, following feedback from the first round of constituency proposals, amendments to the plans have been put forward.

Lord Matthews, deputy chair of the Boundary Commission for Scotland, said: "After careful consideration of all of the comments received during the consultations on the initial proposals, the commission has designed this revised set of constituencies.

"Where the legislation has allowed it, we have tried to respond to the views expressed to us. However, in some areas, we have been unable to make changes because of the constraints on constituency design within which we work.

"This is the final opportunity we have to obtain views on our proposals so we can further improve them where the legislation allows us to do so.

"I hope people will take the opportunity to contribute, whether for or against what we have proposed."

According to the legislation, the constituencies in Scotland will have to fit size and population criteria.

Except for the Western Isles and Orkney and Shetland, they must not exceed the maximum permitted area of 13,000 square kilometres and should have between around 71,000-78,500 electors.

Clacks voters currently reside in the Ochil and South Perthshire seat, which was won by Luke Graham in June and Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh before him.

Mr Graham said: "I am proud to represent the constituency of Ochil & South Perthshire and will continue to fight for our constituency as long as it exists.

"The boundary proposals are set by an independent commission, I await the results of their consultation.

"The key for me will be to ensure that towns and villages across Clackmannanshire, South Perthshire & Kinross-shire are properly represented."

The current constituency area covers the whole of the county and stretches up to Crieff and Auchterarder.

There are wholesale changes being put forth for all areas of Scotland, as well as the UK.

Scotland will lose six MPs, while England will lose 32, with Northern Ireland losing a single seat.

The remaining 11 are to be lost in Wales, which loses more than 25 per cent of its MPs.

The publication of the Boundary Commission for Scotland's revised proposals marks the beginning of an eight week public consultation process.

It started on Tuesday, October 17, and will run until Monday, December 11.