List of local government areas in Scotland (1930–1975) facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

From 1930 to 1975, Scotland had a special way of organizing its local government. This meant how towns and areas were managed by local councils. These areas were set up by a law in 1929 and updated in 1947. In 1975, a new law changed everything, creating a new system of regions and districts. This article will help you understand how Scotland was divided and governed during those years.

Administrative map of Scotland, 1947

How Scotland Was Organized (1930-1975)
- County-Level Authorities
- Smaller Local Areas (Sub-County Authorities)
Counties of Cities
Counties and Their Local Areas
See also

How Scotland Was Organized (1930-1975)

Between 1930 and 1975, Scotland had different types of local government areas. Think of them like different levels of local management.

County-Level Authorities

These were the biggest local government areas:

Counties of Cities: These were the four largest cities in Scotland. They acted like both a city council and a county council. This meant they handled almost all local services themselves. A "lord provost" was in charge of these city councils.
Counties: Outside the big cities, there were 33 counties. Most of these were run by a "county council." This council had members chosen by town councils and members directly elected by people living in the "landward" (countryside) areas. The leader of a county council was called the "convener."
Combined Counties: A few smaller counties, like Nairnshire and Kinross-shire, joined with bigger neighbors (Moray and Perthshire) for most local government tasks. They had a "joint county council" that worked together. However, the smaller county councils still existed for some minor jobs.

Smaller Local Areas (Sub-County Authorities)

Inside the counties, there were smaller areas with their own councils:

Large Burghs: A "burgh" was like a town or city with its own local government. In 1929, 20 towns were called "large burghs." These towns were mostly independent from the county they were in. They managed most local services, but the county council still handled bigger things like police and education. East Kilbride later became a 21st large burgh.
Small Burghs: The other towns were called "small burghs." They had fewer powers and shared many responsibilities with the county councils.
Landward Districts: This was the countryside part of each county, not including any burghs. County councils divided these areas into "districts." Each district had a "district council" made up of county councillors and other elected members.

Counties of Cities

These were the four biggest cities that managed their own affairs, almost like mini-countries within Scotland.

Burgh	Notes	1975 district
Aberdeen		City of Aberdeen
Dundee	Grew bigger in 1932, 1939, 1946	City of Dundee
Edinburgh	Grew bigger in 1954	City of Edinburgh
Glasgow	Grew bigger in 1931 and 1938	City of Glasgow

Counties and Their Local Areas

Here's a look at some of the counties and the types of local areas they contained. Remember, the "1975 district" column shows which new area these places became part of after the big changes in 1975.

County of Aberdeen

This county was in the northeast of Scotland.

Small Burghs in Aberdeen

Ballater (became part of Kincardine and Deeside)
Ellon (became part of Gordon)
Fraserburgh (became part of Banff and Buchan)
Huntly (became part of Gordon)
Inverurie (became part of Gordon)
Peterhead (became part of Banff and Buchan)

Landward Districts in Aberdeen

Aberdeen District: Most areas went to Gordon; some parts to Aberdeen and Kincardine and Deeside.
Alford District: Became part of Gordon.
Deer District: Became part of Banff and Buchan.
Deeside District: Became part of Kincardine and Deeside.
Ellon District: Most areas went to Gordon; part to Banff and Buchan.
Garioch District: Became part of Gordon.
Huntly District: Became part of Gordon.
Turriff District: Became part of Banff and Buchan.

County of Angus

Located on the east coast, Angus had one large burgh and several smaller ones.

Large Burgh in Angus

Arbroath (became part of Angus)

Small Burghs in Angus

Brechin (became part of Angus)
Carnoustie (became part of Angus)
Forfar (became part of Angus)
Montrose (became part of Angus)

Landward Districts in Angus

Brechin District: Became part of Angus.
Carnoustie District: Became part of Angus.
Forfar District: Became part of Angus.
Kirriemuir District: Became part of Angus.
Monifieth District: Most areas went to Dundee; parts to Angus and Perth and Kinross.
Montrose District: Became part of Angus.

County of Argyll

A large county in the west, known for its islands and lochs.

Small Burghs in Argyll

Campbeltown (became part of Argyll and Bute)
Dunoon (became part of Argyll and Bute)
Oban (became part of Argyll and Bute)

Landward Districts in Argyll

Ardnamurchan District: Became part of Lochaber.
Cowal District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Islay District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Jura and Colonsay District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Kintyre District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Mid Argyll District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Mull District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
North Lorn District: Most areas went to Argyll and Bute; part to Lochaber.
South Lorn District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Tiree and Coll District: Formed in 1932, became part of Argyll and Bute.

County of Ayr

Located in the southwest, Ayrshire had two large burghs.

Large Burghs in Ayr

Ayr (became part of Kyle and Carrick)
Kilmarnock (became part of Kilmarnock and Loudoun)

Small Burghs in Ayr

Ardrossan (became part of Cunninghame)
Irvine (became part of Cunninghame)
Largs (became part of Cunninghame)
Prestwick (became part of Kyle and Carrick)
Stevenston (created in 1952, became part of Cunninghame)

Landward Districts in Ayr

Ayr (No.1) District: Became part of Kyle and Carrick, with some parts going to Cunninghame.
Cumnock District: Became part of Cumnock and Doon Valley.
Dalmellington District: Became part of Cumnock and Doon Valley, with part going to Kyle and Carrick.
Irvine District: Became part of Cunninghame.
Kilmarnock District: Became part of Kilmarnock and Loudoun, with part going to Cunninghame.
Saltcoats District: Renamed West Kilbride in 1952, became part of Cunninghame.

County of Banff

This county was in the northeast, bordering Aberdeenshire and Moray.

Small Burghs in Banff

Aberchirder (became part of Banff and Buchan)
Banff (became part of Banff and Buchan)
Buckie (became part of Moray)
Keith (became part of Moray)
Macduff (became part of Banff and Buchan)

Landward Districts in Banff

Aberchirder District: Became part of Banff and Buchan.
Banff District: Became part of Banff and Buchan.
Buckie District: Became part of Moray.
Cullen District: Most areas went to Moray; part to Banff and Buchan.
Dufftown District: Became part of Moray.
Keith District: Became part of Moray.

County of Berwick

Located in the southeast of Scotland, bordering England.

Small Burghs in Berwick

Coldstream (became part of Berwickshire)
Duns (became part of Berwickshire)
Eyemouth (became part of Berwickshire)
Lauder (became part of Ettrick and Lauderdale)

Landward Districts in Berwick

East District: Became part of Berwickshire.
Middle District: Became part of Berwickshire.
West District: Most areas went to Ettrick and Lauderdale; parts to Berwickshire and Roxburgh.

County of Bute

This county was made up of several islands in the Firth of Clyde.

Small Burghs in Bute

Rothesay (on the Isle of Bute, became part of Argyll and Bute)
Millport (on the Isle of Cumbrae, became part of Cunninghame)

Landward Districts in Bute

Arran District: Became part of Cunninghame.
Bute District: Became part of Argyll and Bute.
Cumbrae District: Became part of Cunninghame.

County of Caithness

The most northerly county on the Scottish mainland.

Small Burghs in Caithness

Wick (became part of Caithness)
Thurso (became part of Caithness)

Landward Districts in Caithness

All landward districts in Caithness (Central, Eastern, Northern, Southern, Western) became part of the new Caithness district.

County of Clackmannan

Scotland's smallest historic county, located in the central lowlands.

Small Burghs in Clackmannan

Alloa (became part of Clackmannan)
Alva (became part of Clackmannan)
Dollar (became part of Clackmannan)
Tillicoultry (became part of Clackmannan)

Landward Districts in Clackmannan

Alloa District: Became part of Clackmannan.
Hillfoots District: Became part of Clackmannan.

County of Dumfries

In the southwest, bordering England.

Large Burgh in Dumfries

Dumfries (became part of Nithsdale)

Small Burghs in Dumfries

Annan (became part of Annandale and Eskdale)
Langholm (became part of Annandale and Eskdale)
Lockerbie (became part of Annandale and Eskdale)
Moffat (became part of Annandale and Eskdale)
Sanquhar (became part of Nithsdale)

Landward Districts in Dumfries

Annan District: Became part of Annandale and Eskdale.
Dumfries District: Most areas went to Nithsdale; parts to Annandale and Eskdale.
Gretna District: Became part of Annandale and Eskdale.
Langholm District: Became part of Annandale and Eskdale.
Lockerbie District: Became part of Annandale and Eskdale.
Moffat District: Became part of Annandale and Eskdale.
Thornhill District: Became part of Nithsdale.
Sanquhar District (later Upper Nithsdale): Became part of Nithsdale.

County of Dunbarton

Located west of Glasgow, stretching from the Clyde to Loch Lomond.

Large Burghs in Dunbarton

Dumbarton (became part of Dumbarton)
Clydebank (became part of Clydebank)

Small Burghs in Dunbarton

Bearsden (created in 1958, became part of Bearsden and Milngavie)
Cumbernauld (created in 1968, became part of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth)
Helensburgh (became part of Dumbarton)
Kirkintilloch (became part of Strathkelvin)
Milngavie (became part of Bearsden and Milngavie)

Landward Districts in Dunbarton

Cumbernauld and Kirkintilloch District: Created in 1968, most areas went to Cumbernauld and Kilsyth; part to Strathkelvin.
Helensburgh District: Became part of Dumbarton.
Old Kilpatrick District: Most areas went to Clydebank; parts to Dumbarton and Bearsden and Milngavie.
Vale of Leven District: Became part of Dumbarton.

County of East Lothian

On the southeast coast of Scotland, east of Edinburgh.

Small Burghs in East Lothian

Dunbar (became part of East Lothian)
Haddington (became part of East Lothian)
North Berwick (became part of East Lothian)
Tranent (became part of East Lothian)

Landward Districts in East Lothian

All landward districts in East Lothian (Dunbar, Haddington, North Berwick, Prestonpans, Tranent) became part of the new East Lothian district.

County of Fife

A peninsula on the east coast, known as the "Kingdom of Fife."

Large Burghs in Fife

Dunfermline (became part of Dunfermline)
Kirkcaldy (became part of Kirkcaldy)

Small Burghs in Fife

Auchtermuchty (became part of North East Fife)
Burntisland (became part of Kirkcaldy)
Cowdenbeath (became part of Dunfermline)
Cupar (became part of North East Fife)
St Andrews (became part of North East Fife)

Landward Districts in Fife

Cupar District: Became part of North East Fife.
Dunfermline District: Became part of Dunfermline.
Glenrothes District: Created after 1970, became part of Kirkcaldy.
Kirkcaldy District: Most areas went to Kirkcaldy, part to Dunfermline.
Lochgelly District: Most areas went to Dunfermline; part to Kirkcaldy.
St Andrews District: Became part of North East Fife.
Wemyss District: Became part of Kirkcaldy.

County of Inverness

Scotland's largest county by area, covering much of the Highlands and some islands.

Large Burgh in Inverness

Inverness (became part of Inverness)

Small Burghs in Inverness

Fort William (became part of Lochaber)
Kingussie (became part of Badenoch and Strathspey)

Landward Districts in Inverness

Aird District: Became part of Inverness.
Badenoch District: Became part of Badenoch and Strathspey.
Barra District: Became part of Western Isles Islands Area.
Harris District: Became part of Western Isles Islands Area.
Inverness District: Became part of Inverness.
Lochaber District: Became part of Lochaber.
North Uist District: Became part of Western Isles Islands Area.
Skye District: Became part of Skye and Lochalsh.
South Uist District: Became part of Western Isles Islands Area.

County of Kincardine

A smaller county on the northeast coast, south of Aberdeen.

Small Burghs in Kincardine

Banchory (became part of Kincardine and Deeside)
Stonehaven (became part of Kincardine and Deeside)

Landward Districts in Kincardine

All landward districts in Kincardine (Laurencekirk, Lower Deeside, St Cyrus, Stonehaven, Upper Deeside) became part of the new Kincardine and Deeside district, except for a part of Lower Deeside which went to Aberdeen.

County of Kirkcudbright

Located in the southwest, part of Galloway.

Small Burghs in Kirkcudbright

Castle Douglas (became part of Stewartry)
Kirkcudbright (became part of Stewartry)

Landward Districts in Kirkcudbright

Castle Douglas District: Became part of Stewartry.
Dalbeattie District: Became part of Stewartry.
Eastern District: Became part of Nithsdale.
Glenkens District: Became part of Stewartry.
Kirkcudbright District: Became part of Stewartry.
Cree District (later Western): Most areas went to Wigtown; part to Stewartry.

County of Lanark

A large and important county in central Scotland, including parts of Glasgow's urban area.

Large Burghs in Lanark

Airdrie (became part of Monklands)
Coatbridge (became part of Monklands)
East Kilbride (became a large burgh in 1967, became part of East Kilbride)
Hamilton (became part of Hamilton)
Motherwell and Wishaw (became part of Motherwell)
Rutherglen (became part of Glasgow)

Small Burghs in Lanark

Biggar (became part of Lanark)
Bishopbriggs (created in 1964, became part of Strathkelvin)
Lanark (became part of Lanark)

Landward Districts in Lanark

First, Second, Third Districts: All became part of Lanark.
Fourth District: Most areas went to Hamilton; part to East Kilbride.
Sixth District: Most areas went to Motherwell; parts to Hamilton.
Seventh District: Most areas went to Motherwell, part to Monklands.
Eighth District: Split between East Kilbride, Glasgow, and Hamilton.
Ninth District: Most areas went to Monklands, remainder split between Glasgow and Strathkelvin.

County of Midlothian

Located in the central belt, surrounding Edinburgh.

Small Burghs in Midlothian

Bonnyrigg and Lasswade (became part of Midlothian)
Dalkeith (became part of Midlothian)
Musselburgh (became part of East Lothian)
Penicuik (became part of Midlothian)

Landward Districts in Midlothian

Currie District: Became part of City of Edinburgh.
East Calder District: Became part of West Lothian.
Gala Water District: Most areas went to Midlothian; part to Ettrick and Lauderdale.
Lasswade District: Became part of Midlothian.
Musselburgh District: Most areas went to Midlothian; part to East Lothian.
Newbattle District: Became part of Midlothian.
Penicuik District: Became part of Midlothian.
West Calder District: Became part of West Lothian.

Combined County of Moray and Nairn

These two counties shared a joint county council for many purposes.

Small Burghs: County of Moray

Elgin (became part of Moray)
Forres (became part of Moray)
Grantown-on-Spey (became part of Badenoch and Strathspey)
Lossiemouth and Branderburgh (became part of Moray)

Small Burghs: County of Nairn

Nairn (became part of Nairn)

Landward Districts: County of Moray

Cromdale District: Became part of Badenoch and Strathspey.
Elgin District: Became part of Moray.
Fochabers District: Became part of Moray.
Forres District: Became part of Moray.

Landward Districts: County of Nairn

Nairn District: Became part of Nairn.

County of Orkney

An island county north of mainland Scotland.

Small Burghs in Orkney

Kirkwall (became part of Orkney Islands Area)
Stromness (became part of Orkney Islands Area)

Landward Districts in Orkney

All landward districts in Orkney (e.g., Mainland, Rousay, Sanday) became part of the Orkney Islands Area.

County of Peebles

A small county in the Scottish Borders.

Small Burghs in Peebles

Peebles (became part of Tweeddale)
Innerleithen (became part of Tweeddale)

Landward Districts in Peebles

All landward districts in Peebles (e.g., Broughton, Innerleithen, Linton, Peebles) became part of the new Tweeddale district.

Combined County of Perth and Kinross

These two counties also worked together for many local government functions.

Large Burgh in Perth and Kinross

Perth (became part of Perth and Kinross)

Small Burgh: County of Kinross

Kinross (became part of Perth and Kinross)

Small Burghs: County of Perth

Aberfeldy (became part of Perth and Kinross)
Alyth (became part of Perth and Kinross)
Blairgowrie and Rattray (became part of Perth and Kinross)
Callander (became part of Stirling)
Crieff (became part of Perth and Kinross)
Dunblane (became part of Stirling)
Pitlochry (became part of Perth and Kinross)

Landward Districts: County of Perth

Central District: Became part of Perth and Kinross.
Eastern District: Became part of Perth and Kinross, with part to Clackmannan.
Highland District: Became part of Perth and Kinross.
Perth District: Became part of Perth and Kinross, with part to City of Dundee.
Western District: Parts went to Perth and Kinross and Stirling.

County of Renfrew

Located southwest of Glasgow, on the Firth of Clyde.

Large Burghs in Renfrew

Greenock (became part of Inverclyde)
Paisley (became part of Renfrew)
Port Glasgow (became part of Inverclyde)

Small Burghs in Renfrew

Barrhead (became part of Renfrew)
Johnstone (became part of Renfrew)
Renfrew (became part of Renfrew)

Landward Districts in Renfrew

First District: Became part of Eastwood.
Second, Third, Fourth Districts: All became part of Renfrew.
Fifth District: Became part of Inverclyde.

County of Ross and Cromarty

A large county in the northern Highlands, including part of the Outer Hebrides.

Small Burghs in Ross and Cromarty

Dingwall (became part of Ross and Cromarty)
Fortrose (became part of Ross and Cromarty)
Tain (became part of Ross and Cromarty)
Stornoway (on the Isle of Lewis, became part of Western Isles Islands Area)

Landward Districts in Ross and Cromarty

Avoch District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Dingwall District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Fearn District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Fortrose District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Gairloch District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Invergordon District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Lewis District: Became part of Western Isles Islands Area.
Loch Broom District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Lochcarron District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
Muir of Ord District: Became part of Ross and Cromarty.
South West District: Became part of Skye and Lochalsh.
Tain District: Parts went to Ross and Cromarty and Sutherland.

County of Roxburgh

Located in the Scottish Borders, bordering England.

Small Burghs in Roxburgh

Hawick (became part of Roxburgh)
Jedburgh (became part of Roxburgh)
Kelso (became part of Roxburgh)
Melrose (became part of Ettrick and Lauderdale)

Landward Districts in Roxburgh

Hawick District: Became part of Roxburgh.
Jedburgh District: Became part of Roxburgh.
Kelso District: Became part of Roxburgh.
Melrose District: Most areas went to Ettrick and Lauderdale, part to Roxburgh.

County of Selkirk

A smaller county in the Scottish Borders.

Small Burghs in Selkirk

Galashiels (became part of Ettrick and Lauderdale)
Selkirk (became part of Ettrick and Lauderdale)

Landward Districts in Selkirk

Both North and South Districts became part of Ettrick and Lauderdale.

County of Stirling

A central county, including the city of Stirling.

Large Burghs in Stirling

Falkirk (became part of Falkirk)
Stirling (became part of Stirling)

Small Burghs in Stirling

Bridge of Allan (became part of Stirling)
Denny and Dunipace (became part of Falkirk)
Grangemouth (became part of Falkirk)
Kilsyth (became part of Cumbernauld and Kilsyth)

Landward Districts in Stirling

Central No.1 District: Became part of Stirling.
Central No.2 District: Most areas went to Falkirk, part to Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.
Eastern No.1, No.2, No.3 Districts: All became part of Falkirk.
Western No.1, No.2 Districts: Both became part of Stirling.
Western No.3 District: Became part of Strathkelvin.

County of Sutherland

A large, sparsely populated county in the far north of mainland Scotland.

Small Burgh in Sutherland

Dornoch (became part of Sutherland)

Landward Districts in Sutherland

All landward districts in Sutherland (Assynt, Dornoch and Creich, Eddrachillis and Durness, Golspie, Rogart and Lairg, Kildonan, Loth and Clyne, Tongue and Farr) became part of the new Sutherland district.

County of West Lothian

Located west of Edinburgh, in the central belt.

Small Burghs in West Lothian

Armadale (became part of West Lothian)
Bathgate (became part of West Lothian)
Bo'ness (became part of Falkirk)
Linlithgow (became part of West Lothian)
Queensferry (became part of City of Edinburgh)
Whitburn (became part of West Lothian)

Landward Districts in West Lothian

Bo'ness District: Became part of Falkirk.
Linlithgow District: Became part of West Lothian.
Queensferry District (later Kirkliston and Winchburgh): Split between West Lothian and City of Edinburgh.
Torphichen and Bathgate District: Became part of West Lothian.
Uphall District: Became part of West Lothian.
Whitburn and Livingston District: Became part of West Lothian.

County of Wigtown

The most southwesterly county in Scotland, part of Galloway.

Small Burghs in Wigtown

Newton Stewart (became part of Wigtown)
Stranraer (became part of Wigtown)
Wigtown (became part of Wigtown)
Whithorn (became part of Wigtown)

Landward Districts in Wigtown

Both Machars and Rhins Districts became part of the new Wigtown district.

County of Zetland (Shetland)

An island county far to the north of mainland Scotland.

Small Burgh in Zetland

Lerwick (became part of Shetland Islands Area)

Landward Districts in Zetland

All landward districts in Zetland (e.g., Bressay, Delting, Dunrossness, Fetlar, Nesting, Northmavine, Sandsting, Tingwall, Unst, Walls, Whalsay, Yell) became part of the Shetland Islands Area.