Edinburgh North and Leith (Scottish Parliament constituency) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Edinburgh North and Leith
Former burgh constituency for the Scottish Parliament
Edinburgh North and Leith shown within the Lothians electoral region and the region shown within Scotland
Former constituency
Created	1999
Abolished	2011
Council area	City of Edinburgh
Replaced by	Edinburgh Northern and Leith

Edinburgh North and Leith was a special area, called a constituency, in Scotland. It was used for elections to the Scottish Parliament (also known as Holyrood).

When people voted in this area, they chose one person to be their Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP). This was done using a system called "first past the post". This means the person with the most votes wins, even if they don't get more than half of all the votes.

However, Edinburgh North and Leith was also part of a bigger area called the Lothians electoral region. This region elected extra MSPs to make sure the overall results were fairer. This system is a type of proportional representation, which means the number of seats a party gets is closer to the percentage of votes they received.

For the Scottish Parliament election in 2011, this constituency was mostly replaced by a new one called Edinburgh Northern and Leith.

What is an Electoral Region?

An electoral region is a larger area that groups several constituencies together. It helps to make sure that the Scottish Parliament has a good mix of politicians from different parties.

The Lothians region, which Edinburgh North and Leith was part of, included eight other constituencies. These were: Edinburgh Central, Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, Edinburgh Pentlands, Edinburgh South, Edinburgh West, Linlithgow, Livingston and Midlothian.

This region covered the City of Edinburgh council area, the West Lothian council area, and parts of the Midlothian and East Lothian council areas.

Where Was This Constituency?

The Edinburgh North and Leith constituency was created in 1999. It had the same name and borders as an existing area used for elections to the UK Parliament in London. However, in 2005, the UK Parliament areas in Scotland were changed, so they no longer had the exact same borders.

Inside the City of Edinburgh

This constituency covered the northern part of the City of Edinburgh council area. The rest of Edinburgh was covered by five other constituencies.

Edinburgh North and Leith shared borders with the Edinburgh East and Musselburgh, Edinburgh Central, and Edinburgh West constituencies.

What Was the Area Like?

Edinburgh North and Leith was an urban area, meaning it was mostly towns and cities. It included places like Granton, Leith, New Town, Newhaven, Stockbridge, Trinity and part of the Pilton area.

Who Was the MSP?

The person who represented Edinburgh North and Leith in the Scottish Parliament was called an MSP. Here's who held the seat:

See also

• Politics of Edinburgh